The short answer
To get a meaningful boiler quote, tell engineers your home size, current boiler type, number of radiators and bathrooms, and whether you want a like-for-like replacement or a different type. Always get at least three itemised quotes from Gas Safe registered engineers. See the installation cost breakdown to understand what each element should cost.
Getting boiler quotes is one of those tasks that is easy to do badly — accepting the first price you are given, comparing quotes that cover different scopes of work, or choosing the cheapest without checking whether it includes everything a proper installation requires. This guide walks through how to prepare a proper quote request, what to expect from a good installer’s response, and how to compare proposals on a like-for-like basis.
Getting quotes at a glance
- Minimum quotes Three (ideally four)
- Must be Gas Safe registered engineers
- Quote format Itemised, in writing
- What to provide Home size, boiler type, radiator count, bathrooms
- Site visit Request one — avoid phone-only estimates
- Comparison method Same boiler model; same scope; check warranty
What information to give engineers when requesting quotes
The more information you provide upfront, the more accurate and comparable your quotes will be. At a minimum, tell each engineer:
- Property type and size: number of bedrooms, house or flat, approximate age of property.
- Current boiler type: combi, system or regular, and its approximate age.
- Number of radiators and number of bathrooms, as these drive sizing and type decisions.
- What you want: like-for-like replacement, or a specific type and brand if you have a preference.
- Any known issues: old pipework, previous sludge, unusual flue route, loft tank location.
Ideally, invite the engineer for a brief site visit rather than quoting by phone. A site visit takes 30–45 minutes and allows the engineer to see the existing system, identify any complications and give you a far more accurate price. Phone estimates are faster but lead to more surprises on installation day.
What a good quote looks like
A properly itemised quote should set out: the boiler make, model and output; the flue kit; labour (one day or more, with a reason if more); a magnetic filter; inhibitor; the Gas Safe installation certificate; the Benchmark Commissioning Checklist; and old-boiler disposal. If a power flush is recommended, it should be quoted separately with a reason. If a magnetic filter or inhibitor is not in the quote, ask for it to be included — these are standard on any reputable installation. Any “allowances” for unforeseen work should be flagged, so you understand the conditions that would trigger additional charges.
| Item | Should be in the quote? |
|---|---|
| Boiler unit (make, model, output) | Yes — specified exactly |
| Flue kit and fittings | Yes |
| Labour (days stated) | Yes |
| Magnetic filter + inhibitor | Yes |
| Gas Safe certificate | Yes — included, not extra |
| Benchmark Commissioning Checklist | Yes — included, not extra |
| Old boiler removal and disposal | Yes |
| Warranty details | Yes — years and conditions |
How to compare quotes fairly
Once you have three quotes in hand, line them up item by item. The price difference may be entirely explained by what is included: one engineer at £2,100 may include a magnetic filter, inhibitor and a 10-year warranty arrangement; another at £1,950 may not include those items and offer only a 5-year warranty. Adjust the prices to a comparable basis by adding the cost of missing items. Then consider the less-quantifiable factors: reviews, engineer communication, willingness to answer questions and whether they have carried out a site visit. The right choice is rarely the cheapest on paper if that cheapest quote is incomplete. See our installer checklist for the full set of checks to run before deciding. This is general information; actual costs and scope will vary with your property and chosen engineer.
When to use a quote comparison service
Quote comparison services can save time by gathering multiple quotes from local Gas Safe engineers simultaneously. When using one, ensure the service passes your request to engineers who will carry out a proper site visit rather than generating an automated online price. The most useful service connects you to real local engineers who compete for your job based on a site assessment — that is closer to getting three independent quotes than an instant online calculator. Always check Gas Safe registration independently of the service, regardless of what the platform says about vetting. This page is general information; quotes are estimates and the actual cost depends on your specific property, system and chosen engineer.
Compare new boiler quotes now
Use our service to compare itemised quotes from Gas Safe registered engineers in your area. Free to use, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How many boiler quotes should I get?
At least three. This gives you a realistic price range, helps you spot outliers in either direction, and is the most reliable way to confirm you are being charged a fair market rate for a properly specified installation.
What should I tell engineers when requesting a boiler quote?
Give your property type and size, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and radiators, the current boiler type and age, and what you want — like-for-like or a specific type or brand. A site visit is far more accurate than a phone estimate.
Is the cheapest boiler quote always the worst?
Not always, but the cheapest quote is often cheapest because it omits something: a magnetic filter, an adequate warranty, or the Benchmark commissioning process. Itemise and compare before deciding, rather than choosing on headline price alone.
How long does it take to get a boiler quote?
An online request for quotes typically generates responses within 24–48 hours. A site visit can usually be arranged within a few days. Most installers aim to quote within a day of a site visit. Allow a week or two for the comparison process if you are not in a hurry — rushing produces worse outcomes.
Sources & further reading
- Gas Safe Register — finding and checking registered engineers, consumer guidance
- Energy Saving Trust — getting quotes for a new boiler and comparing costs
- HHIC — Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, what a good installation quote includes
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations Approved Document L — boiler efficiency and commissioning requirements
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or installation. Costs, timescales and outcomes vary with your home, system condition and chosen engineer. All gas boiler work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.