Highly Commended

Please tell us about a project you are particularly proud of – what was the problem and how did you solve it for the customer?

I recently worked on a full house install including two bathrooms. The house was falling apart so it was knocked down for a complete renovation and rebuild. I installed underfloor heating on both floors with four manifolds in different locations of the house as well as an air-source heat pump for heating and hot water. As a result, the installation not only means the owner will benefit from fully functioning heating, but it will also increase house energy efficiency.

The first issue I had to face was with the bathrooms. After inspecting the property, I realised that the original design by the architect could not be installed due to the joist locations. I spoke with the customer and building contractor about it and shared my opinion on what we could do as well as how we could achieve it, taking all of the pros and cons into account. We came to an agreement to change the layout and swapped the bath and shower, locating and installing the new bathtub right under the window (frosted glass, of course). I truly believe the result came out even better than the originally planned architecture.

Another major point in this project was finding the right location for the air source heat pump installation. As the customer was a musician, he expressed his worries regarding the noise that the air source would produce. Considering customer needs, I communicated with the builder and customer and we came to the solution to reposition the air source on another end of the building, where it wouldn’t bother the customer.

Overall, this job turned out amazing. The heating install design increased energy efficiency and resulted in customer satisfaction. I was particularly proud of this project because I really had the opportunity to show off my skills, as the installation was a lot more technical than other recent installations I had worked on. I designed the whole system from scratch, making it easier for the customer to control the heat and water temperature, whilst also minimising heat loss and ensuring it operated in an incredibly efficient manner. I was able to isolate certain rooms and zone every part individually making it even more accessible and easy for the customer.

One of the big things about this project was that I had to find solutions to fix a number of problems including the original designs, including the fact it was a dilapidated house, and that there was a concern about noise. It once again showed me the importance of listening to the customer, taking the time to speak to them and allowing them to explain what their problems and concerns are so that I could find the best possible solution that is not only technically sound but ensures that the customer is happy. Because a happy customer makes a happy installer.

Which products did you select for the job and why?

With regards to the products, I used a Daikin set up for the air source heat pump, which was chosen by the customer and was already in the specification. The products were designed for the project so I built the plan for the installation around those. These products had been recommended to the customer which is why he initially chose them. This was my first time working with the products and everything worked perfectly and didn’t raise any issues. The customer service was also great and they answered any question I had quickly.

Tell us what was different or unique about this job? Why does it stand out?

Over the 6 months spent working on this project, I feel it allowed me to show what I can do as a plumber / heating installer and what I pride myself on. I was able to work on every part of the plumbing and heating installation throughout the house and custom made the design to work with this property. For me personally, this plant room is my favourite room in the house and my favourite one I have done so far, as it shows my passion for plumbing and pipe work. As I am all about details and I would call myself a perfectionist, this project gave me a chance to showcase my detailed work ethic. Most importantly the result not only satisfied me but also the customer as now he shows the room to his guests by describing it as “Piece of art”. But on top of this, he benefits from a highly efficient system that is easily controlled.

And finally, tell us what the end result was for your customer?

The customer was over the moon with the result and how it looks, because even though we had some bumps we found suitable solutions. As a result, the customer has a very reliable heating system and increased energy efficiency which means it is also more cost effective, which now is more important than ever before, due to the high prices of gas and electricity. Finally, the customer is finding the system very easy to understand and control as I zoned each room separately giving him complete control over the heating in his home.

As a result of this project the customer suggested me to his friends, and I am at the moment doing a new project for his friends, which proves how much my client liked the work I did for him and now I have new clients to show off my passion for plumbing.