Quotes

Tod_2

I have received my quotes for my radiant heat how do I know if I am going to get a good system?
Here is what I know
1. Munchkin 140m
2. 45 gal. super store indirect
3. all copper valves,pumps,ect. for install.
4. Labor to install.
5. Garage hydronic unit installed
Is there a way for me to find out if the contractor is factory cert or backed for warr. purposes

Rick Kelly_3

Certification

Yes, there's a way to find out what if any certifications your prospective contractor holds. Ask him straight out what they are, get details of the certifying organizations, then contact them for confirmation. Done deal.

Troy_3

Munchkin Vision certification

Check on HTproducts.com website for certified contractors in your area.

Tod_2

Not listed should that be a concern or a reason to run?

Troy_3

Reason to run- No

In fact even if they are listed I would still check out past installs. The vision controls optimize the boiler. With radiant heat I would not install a Munchkin boiler without Vision 1. Where are you located? maybe someone here has experience.

Mad Dog

The best although not FOOL-Proof method to vett out the right

contractor is by talking to and sometimes even going to look at (if the people are willing) the possible contractor's work. We have some very nice customers who are more than happy to talk to the prospective clients and even bring them over for a look see. Mad Dog

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Mad Dog

There are certifications........................................

and then there are certifications, if you know what I mean. I have been to many one night "certification" classes
that any one sitting the room that night was getting their "credentials" regardless! Going with recommendations of prior installs is the best method. Mad Dog

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Paul Pollets

Top Ten Questons... revisited

How about:
Date: January 22, 2005 06:21 PM
Author: Paul Pollets
Subject: If I were a Homeowner...



Constantin posed a question in a previous post that got me excited....What questions should an informed homeowner be asking the boiler installer or salesman?? Here's my list. Paul

1. Will you provide a heat loss calculation or an EDR connected load calculation to size my new boiler?

2. Are there differences in efficiencies between boilers, particularly between European boilers and American boilers?

3. Where should the circulator pump be installed on the “near-boiler” piping?

4. I have an existing masonry chimney; do I need a chimney liner?

5. All boilers have “controls”. Why should my boiler have an outdoor reset control?

6. Will you be installing a “low water cutoff” device? Why or why not?

7. Will you be insulating the pipes on my new steam boiler? If so, what type of insulation will you install?

8. Will you be insulating the pipes on my new hot water boiler? If so, what type of insulation will you install? And if not, why not?

9. Will you be commissioning the new steam (or hot water) boiler with proper chemicals to remove production oils, dirt, sludge, flux residues, pipe dope, etc.?

10. Will you warranty the system unconditionally for 1 year parts and labor and guarantee the home will reach 68°F at the coldest day of the year?



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Tod

Roscommon Michigan, Its half way between Hell and Paradise but still colder than Hell

John R. Hall

Stop

...and call Steve Ebels at Golden Rule Heating in Falmouth (Cadillac area). Steve is a quality contractor and you can do no better.

As a backup, contact the contractor who bid the work and ask for references. And then contact those references! Call the local Chamber or Better Business Bureau. There are many ways to check on the background of ANY business -- if that business is reputable.

S Ebels

Tod

If you would like, you can fax a copy of your quote to 240-371-3041. I'd be happy to look at what your contractor has provided and give you some pointers on what to ask. I'm about 40 miles from you,(not a great distance up here in the sticks). The Munchkin is a decent boiler but it HAS to be installed correctly and the burner has to dialed in to spec or you'll have problems down the road. We have installed more than a few.

I'd be glad to give you an assist if you'd like.

Steve Ebels

Tod

Would you like to quote? I can give or post the plans for you to see. Or if there is anyone else in my area that would like to qoute it. I can send pdf files or drawing files.

S Ebels

If you'd like,

I would be glad to give you a quote. A detailed floor plan including what insulation you have along with window and door sizes/types will allow me to run a rough heat loss for you. Any other construction details you can supply help out with accuracy. My e-mail is sebels@netonecom.net send it any way that's convenient for you. My fax# is on the post above if that works.

Please include what kind of a timeline/schedule you are looking at also. We've been booked two months in advance for over a year now so if you're looking for something in the next 4-5 weeks we're in trouble.

Call Heat Transfer Products, (the Munchkin manufacturer) and talk with Chuck Shaw in Tech service if you want a reference. 1-800-323-9651

Weezbo

*~/:)....

The first question yah gotta ask your self ..Do i Know where this guy LIVES ...:)Then examine the source of who recommended him.....:) trust buh verify...dont think for a momment that your contractor has done any less....who is it that says You can be trusted? Could you perhaps give me some idea of any other local contractors you have asked for proposals or bids? You see, we know one another and if this guy wont and that guy wont and that guy"cant" ...guess what that means to me the mechanical contractor? so, when your looking for someone to work get another opinion...think well what if this guy is too buzy then what?...maybe i should have two professionals that i can pay a little to take a look at the house or plans ..first ...listen very clearly the first time...see if they might be someone you can feel relatively sure arent out to put the hose to you...and at the same time you can get some accurate information on your dime...

Tod_2

The Details

My original question was meant to ask how in detail should the quote be.For example do you generally list the amount of tubing the pumps ect. or is it just listed as materials to complete the job.
The quote that I received does not state what specific components that are to be installed except the boiler and hot water tank.
The certification part is really to do with the warranty info.more than the person being certified.

Weezbo

How detailed are your spec's and blue prints?

how many deviations to the construction were made during the carpentry ,cement,concrete block,cif's, metal placement, iron work and sheet metal ...have there been any alterations to the electrical lighting fixtures placements or types ? Did the type,size or placement or availability ,change on any of the windows or door schedule?...what specific types of floor coverings are going to be used? is the placed"finished" ? bust out your crystal ball and magic wand if you dont have Detailed answers to these few questions...not to provide for a certain amount of indiscrepency would be a mark of an extremely accomplished builder indeed.I would readily work for them at the drop of a hat.Today.However,if it didnt pay the bills ,Via conDios...I honestly know that there are people among us today that would crucify Christ daily...i for one stay away from them and let them work out thier own salvation.

Tod_2

I guess I don't quite understand what you are asking the blueprints are accurate. As for the doors and windows why would I have items listed that I could not purchase?
The contractor that quoted the price did do a walk thru of the house after the framing windows and doors were in.As for the spec book I don't know of any residential(within reason) that has a spec book.
How am I to know that the contractor will not come back to me and say that was not included in my price if I do not know what is included?