Cost of Moving a Boiler From Upstairs to Downstairs

What Makes a Difference to the Cost of Moving a Boiler from Upstairs to Downstairs?

There are lots of reasons it’s preferable to have your boiler system downstairs:

• • Noise disturbance during the night.
  • Freeing up space to expand bedrooms.
  • Relocating the boiler to the kitchen or utility space.

Several core factors will influence the costs involved – let’s look at each and how much that is likely to change the quotation.

Replacement or Relocation?

If you have an excellent boiler that performs well and is energy-efficient, you can move it without needing to change anything else about your heating system. That project will cost from around £500, including parts and labour, usually up to approximately £1,200 to move it to a different floor of your property, given the pipework required.

Replacing your boiler will undoubtedly cost more – but if your boiler is approaching the end of its useful life and it’s nearly time for an upgrade, it’s likely more cost-effective to have a replacement fitted at the same time!

We also offer a Boiler Repair Quotation Service if you’re unsure which option is your best bet.

Components

Relocating a boiler between floors involves a fair bit more work than simply moving the unit – multiple components may be required. A lot depends on your property’s layout and the existing pipework. Piping can cost as much as £400 to £600 to connect to a boiler.

These expenses might include new pipes, controls or a thermostat, extension pipes, a flue, and any other additional fittings and fixtures required. Extension flue pipes, for example, cost around £75 – £125 per metre.

Complexity

Some properties are easier to work on than others, and relocating a boiler to another floor is a bigger job than moving it from one room to the next. It’s difficult to say precisely how much the price would change, but the cost of moving a boiler from upstairs to downstairs is likely to be more towards the £1,200 mark.

That is because your fitter will need to ensure all the pipework is connected with the existing system, and unless you’ve previously had a boiler downstairs, it will very likely mean running new pipes.

The more complex the job, the longer it will take, and therefore the higher the labour cost will be. There are quite a few safety provisions too since the flue needs to be at least 1.2 metres from windows and doors, and there needs to be access to a waste pipe – which may need to be fitted, or a pipe extension provided if there isn’t one close to the new boiler location.

Other Cost Considerations of Moving a Boiler Downstairs

As well as the costs of labour and components, there are a few other factors to budget for when working out the cost of moving your boiler.

Redecorating is a key example – wherever the boiler was before will be stripped of the boiler and pipework but will need painting and cleaning up before you can put the new space to better use.

The old boiler site will need to be capped and pipes rerouted. That means drilling holes for new piping, and so you will very likely need to consider plastering or fill gaps.

If your boiler was previously in a bathroom, it’s also essential to make sure that there aren’t any leak risks due to removing old piping. Should you need a plumber to help repair the bathroom and ensure it is watertight, you can access quotations through our Plumber Call Out Charges service.

Finally, it may be helpful to review your heating system once your boiler has been newly repositioned. With a boiler working efficiently downstairs, you might be able to Move a Radiator, for example, to ensure that heat is reasonably distributed throughout your property.

Breaking Down the Cost of Moving a Boiler from Upstairs to Downstairs

Quotations will include several elements, such as parts, labour, and any extra components required to relocate your boiler successfully.

Most fitters will provide a breakdown of each cost factor, so it’s vital to understand what they relate to, so you know what is and isn’t included!

• Labour costs will depend on how many days of work is required. If you have a large, heavy boiler, you’ll likely need at least two people to manage the heavy lifting, which means a higher labour charge for that part of the work. Oil boilers often weigh upwards of 100 kg instead of around 45 kg for a gas or LPG boiler, so one person cannot manage them.
• Pipework – copper piping isn’t cheap, and so the more extensive the property, the more piping, and the higher the quotation. Some quotes will include an exact cost if the professional knows the dimensions, and others will quote per metre if they haven’t been able to carry out a site inspection.
• Flues and extensions – a flue is essential. So if you are moving a boiler to a different aspect, you might need to swap a horizontal flue for a vertical flue, for example. That costs around £100 for the flue and approximately £50 for each extension.
• Components – a lot depends on what sort of boiler you have, how it is connected, and whether you have the piping in place. Other components include screws, fixtures, control panels and thermostats, each of which will usually be itemised.

Remember that if you’re unsure about anything on your quotation cost, you can always query this with the tradesperson before the work begins.

What are the Benefits of Moving a Boiler Downstairs?

Relocating a boiler is a relatively big job. Still, it can benefit your home layout and living spaces and prevent noise disturbances, which are common when a boiler is upstairs or in a bedroom.

The cost of moving a boiler from upstairs to downstairs can also be offset if you are looking at servicing your heating system. It may enable you to reduce your energy bills, turn down thermostats, and ensure the warmth is more evenly dispersed.

Another common reason is to enable you to convert your loft – which is very difficult if you have a boiler taking up much of the space!

Properties with a boiler in the utility room, garage, kitchen or airing cupboard can also be easier to sell, with the opportunity to enhance the living space in your bedrooms and contain the boiler unit in a more discreet place.

Frequently Asked Questions - Moving a Boiler Downstairs

We’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about moving a boiler from upstairs to your property’s ground floor!

How Long Does it Take to Move a Boiler?

Usually, you’re only looking at around one to two days for a boiler relocation. Larger properties with more extensive pipework or with a heavy oil boiler might take a little longer.

When is the Best Time to Relocate My Boiler?

We’d recommend moving your boiler during the summer when the weather is warmer. You will usually be without heating or hot water for a day or two or longer for a more complex job, so it’s better to carry out the work when the winter chill has passed.

It is possible to stay at home during the work, although many people choose to stay with a friend to avoid managing without hot water during the project.

Can I Relocate a Boiler Myself?

Unfortunately not – gas safety is a grave matter. You should always use a CORGI registered installer to ensure that the work is carried out safely and because it is illegal to handle a gas appliance or fit the connections without the requisite training.

It’s also vital to ensure that all the right fittings are in place, such as the flue, electrical connections, condensation discharge pipes and that everything has adequate ventilation to avoid causing a severe health hazard.

How Much Work is Involved in Relocating a Boiler?

It depends on where your boiler is now – moving it between floors can be an extensive piece of work. Usually, pipes will need to be fed through walls and under flooring, which will likely mean drilling holes and pulling up floorboards to install the connections.

Will Moving My Boiler Downstairs Improve My Heating Costs?

It can do, yes. Moving the boiler downstairs may mean that the hot water speed is increased, and you can heat the ground floor of your property faster.

Heat rises, so a more efficient heating system downstairs will ensure that the heat is evenly spread throughout your home, and it may be possible to turn your heating down a few degrees.