Question: On a HUD FHA 403k rehab property we are purchasing, the house needs a complete heat pump split system, plus a new water heater. All electric. All the old items need removed and disposed of.
We’ve gotten a couple of bids on the project. First one was over $6k.
Second one is for $4,580 – a 13 seer weather king – made by Rudd, with 14kw electric air handler. Also Rudd water heater. 5 year parts warranty, 1 year labor.
I’m not really familiar with weather king or Rudd, and the 5 year warranty on the parts bothers me – because the Goodman gas furnace we just got installed had a 10 year warranty on parts.
Now, I can get a 2 ton 13 seer Goodman complete split system delivered for $1,439. I can also get a 60 gallon efficient water heater for $450. That’s a total of under $1,900. Add on another $200 worth of parts to connect them, and you get a grand total of about $2,100 in parts for the project.
This system is more complex than the gas furnace only system we had installed at our old place last fall. That install and removal took about 8 man-hours. I would guess that since this is much more complex, it will probably take around 16-20 man hours. (just a guess)
Given this, do you think that the labor (& their insurance, etc.) for a project of this type should cost roughly $2,500?
I’m trying to decide whether to just go with the lower bidder, or keep hunting. Time is kind of at a premium now, so I’m sort of leaning towards just accepting the lower bid.
If we were using a traditional loan, we could probably find someone to do the whole job for $3k or less total, but with the 203k home rehab loan, they have to be willing to do the work, a bunch of paperwork, have their work inspected, and then get paid later, after the inspection.
Answer: Im in the business for 45 years, Rudd is an old name know for ruggedness but all use the same components, compressors and motors.. the price is well within range, your other quotes prove it.
5 years is all you will get on a heat pump..the compressors are less rugged that the heat exchanger on a simple gas furnace.. some off 10 years on compressors, but pro rate it, labor not included…so its smoke.
your prime interest should be with finding an honorable contractor..Id check that issue out and not necessarily go with the low bid in that range.
13 seer is superb.. a wise choice.. that understresses your equipment as well.
the quality of install is paramount… sloppy work wont last.
Phil scott
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