Back Boiler - what's the procedure?

2 years ago

Hello Houzz community!

We are collecting the keys to our first home next week and as first-time buyers this process is quite overwhelming as we don't know where to start! The house is an older 1950s-1960s home and it has a back boiler, which we are very keen to replace as soon as we move in.

I would love to hear your feedback and experience on how to best deal with it.

We would like to replace this back boiler with a new combi boiler.

Where would you recommend we look at for new boilers? We have seen some comparison websites but is it best to speak to a local company?
Is there someone that we could call to come and see the house and assess the work? Basically we want the back boiler removed, but we also have one water tank on the first floor and another one in the loft related to the boiler, which we are not going to need anymore and we would like removed.
Do we get someone in separately to then fix the fireplace or is it done by the same person who removes the boiler? I am assuming it will be left in a mess after the back boiler is removed. Who would you recommend?
Do we have to look at buying a new fireplace and mantle piece separately in this case and have it ready so it can be replaced on the same day?

Back boilers are a big project it seems, so any assistance or advice you can offer is greatly appreciated! Thank you very much! :)

Irene

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Comments (4)

Ricky Watkins
2 years ago
Call a local plumber they will sort all that make sure they have good reviews/recommendations. Re the boiler think/plan about where you want it so if you have plans in the future to renovate it won't be in the way again. If you can afford it air source heat pumps seem to be the way forward as gas boilers are not the environmentally ethically way to go anymore.
Daisy England
2 years ago
A plumber is needed. Most are multi job plumbers who will be able to help with what you're looking to do
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If you are like me who cannot tackle the remodel on one big project expense, I would start with your breakfast table nook. Then I suggest working on the cabinets, and lastly changing the tile wall with or without counter top/sink update. An update of the faucet at the start won't be too much expense either. I am assuming you're not fond of the blue tile - wanting it to be in off/ white or grey tiles eventually. If you absolutely cannot live with the blue tile while progressing with the project, I suggest painting it like several commentators suggested as a temporary fix - just to get the pain out from looking at it :{) Otherwise, I suggest to leave it alone and save your money, time and effort. For the breakfast nook, I think additional storage is always an advantage like two commentators suggested for your wall by your table - using clean line metal/steel brackets and white shelves and wall painted with light cool grey in your ideabook. You can display not only kitchen items but also some artwork on the shelves to make it look uncluttered. I also like your posted ideabook for a bar style chair and table (Mal Corboy) but with low open back chairs for airy look (Kelley Gardner.) Assuming it is safe to cover your radiator panel (sic maybe - not sure of term), the wall end of table can be opened with cabinet doors on both sides or at least the one facing the boiler side. (Pls refer to 1st image.) For the cabinets, I suggest going up to the ceiling even above the window/sink - using simple panel doors with long sleek hardware just like Merry Powell suggested. Going up means less wall tile to change later in the project - an added advantage. I also think that painting the lower cabinet that same light grey as your wall also looks pretty just like in your Cucinabella Bella choice in your ideabook while top cabinets are in white. Just be careful which white shade you choose. A true off-white may not look good with the grey you posted in your ideabook. Your boiler corner can have its own two-door corner cabinet or 4-door cabinet if you paint the lower ones grey. (Pls refer to 2nd image). I am attaching images with edits using my unglamorous graphic 'editor' - excuse the roughness ;) I also included images posted in your ideabook mixed with my added images. May be a lot of work but have fun while doing it. I'm sure it will be much better looking each step you take.
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Sonia
2 years ago
A decent Gas Safe plumber should be able to remove the back boiler, cap it off and then install a new one in the garage if you have one, or in the utility room or kitchen. If the new boiler goes in the kitchen then a cupboard could be fitted around it to keep it tidy. The fireplace is a bit naff (sorry) so you could remove it and depending on your style you could add a new one with an electric fire. There are some lovely modern ones now, or you could fit a log burner if there is a proper chimney.
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Croydon Fireplaces
2 years ago
We can help with your new fireplace choice :)

Lots to do and think of when you first move but we have different options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Back Boiler - what's the procedure?

Comments (4)

Ricky Watkins

Daisy England

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