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What price for an aerial installation?

What prices have you been quoted and paid for an aerial installation?

What prices have you been quoted and paid for an aerial install
Published on by on UK Free TV
In responses to the guideline I posted about how much having a new aerial fitted should cost, Ian Grice posted: "£40-£50? Every aerial fitter I contacted wants at least £150+VAT considering you can get a class 3 aerial for under £10 and a class 2 for under £15 and cable is 40p a metre why are they charging so much for 30 minutes work?"

OK, for some places putting up a TV aerial is hard work, such as multi-story properties. As many people will simply be exchanging a Group A, B, C/D, E or K aerial for a wideband type, often without changing the supporting pole or cable, a high price cannot be justified.

I am concerned that some companies will exploit vulnerable groups (such as the elderly).

So, I what prices have you been quoted for aerial installations? What price have you paid for installation?

Do you know of any companies to avoid? Do you know of any companies that are good value for money?

Or do you work for a great aerial installation company?





Your comments: most recent posts are at the bottom

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Your comments are always welcome. Please use the form below to add your thoughts or questions to this page. We will get back to you as soon as we can.

Robert Oliver
Tuesday 13 September 2011 11:53PM
No worries Shaun. Its refreshing to have an expert arrive at the agreed time and all in all a good experience. I always speak well for good service and rant at bad service.The fix my aerial chap gave me quite possibly the best erection you could ask for.It all looks good and in fact my neighbour commented on it earlier today.
KB Aerials sheffield
Wednesday 14 September 2011 7:08AM
The aerial installer listed in sheffield on there is a reputable installer from what i have seen of his work never had any one whinge about him
Ron Lake
Wednesday 14 September 2011 10:29AM Wakefield
"It seemed a good site and the lad that attended my erection seemed very experienced and knew what to do".

"Chap gave me quite possibly the best erection you could ask for, in fact my neighbour commented on it earlier today".

I suspect Robert is wording these deliberately, I'm rolling on the floor laughing.

Robert, Did you ever consider a career as a comedy writer?
wutty
Wednesday 14 September 2011 11:35AM
Robert, Ron, et al. I'm very concerned about your sexist remarks here. Why do you always refer to riggers as being male ? Surely if you can't handle your own erection by yourself, in case it impairs your vision, I'm sure many people would much prefer a female rigger to handle their erection - particularly if they thought my neighbour was going to make comments. Come on, stop being so silly.
Robert Oliver
Wednesday 14 September 2011 1:13PM
Wutty I think its YOU that is mis reading my statements. as far a I know an aerial install is also known as "an erection" correct me if I am wrong please. I think most "riggers" are male as its a hard job judging by the lad who installed mine and would not really suit a lady/girl.
I have always been of the traditional thoughts that woman cannot do everything a man can.It seems most are afraid of heights or getting dirty. Also please do not accuse me of "sexist remarks"
thx
Robert
Briantist
Wednesday 14 September 2011 1:34PM
This is all getting a bit Round the Horne for my liking.
Robert Oliver
Wednesday 14 September 2011 1:37PM
Gawd that shud wind em up Brian lol
Robert Oliver
Wednesday 14 September 2011 1:49PM
I may have a go at installing a Freestat dish at my house.I was looking into it and how hard can it be ? Will get a dish and LNB off e bay and soon install Freestat and will be all up to date. I cannot see the point in getting anyone in although after watching the guy fro Fix My Aerial at work it did look fairly difficult.
KB Aerials Sheffield
Wednesday 14 September 2011 3:34PM Sheffield
Robert - a bit of patience and lining a freesat dish up isnt hard

as for female aerial riggers im not aware of a single one - I know one of my friends who is another aerial installer does know one female aerial installer

I cant see why a female could not do this job to be honest - I think the toughest part would be lifting the ladders off and back on to the van and setting them up but other than that as long as the person in question has no problems with working at height then cant see an issue

and as for sexist remarks "erection" yes im afraid the job is erecting aerials

I can see the amusement in that but don't find it derogatory or sexist - in fact I suppose you could class us
as erection specialists!


Shaun - how do you choose who gets invited to the forum and fixmy aerial .com as I am interested

Keith
Robert Oliver
Wednesday 14 September 2011 3:38PM
Keith Thanks for your support.I was not being sexist re erections etc although can see how a "cheeky mind" may read it. I used to run an aerial business in Oirland a few years back and never had a clue myself but had a good team who could.
jim tenks
Wednesday 14 September 2011 8:03PM
I used someone from fix my aerial, lots of tests before he fitted anything all working great 5 tvs. not cheapest in area but also listed on fair traders scheme.
Robert Oliver
Wednesday 14 September 2011 8:53PM
Glad to hear that Jim. I have an old saying that "cheapest is not best" and am happy to pay a bit more for a satisfactory erection.
Ian
Wednesday 14 September 2011 10:32PM
Hi, our aerial is currently dangling from its cable due to high winds. It's a forty year old aerial put up when the house was first built, and I think is a basic Yagi type on a horizontal axis facing Emley Moor; we live in Eccleshill, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD2. Someone recommended to us a particular firm from Horsforth a few miles away, and when rung they quoted £50 to just remove the old aerial and tidy up, or £150 to install a new aerial.

This is from a firm that have been going for 30 years or so and sound quite 'old school' according to my mother who spoke to them. So does this sound about right? Also I thought the price of £50 for simply cutting the old aerial free and tidying up the cable etc seemed a bit much. I would have thought £30 to be more like it. As a quick fix, we had Virgin Cable switch back on our TV service in July (not been with them for TV since 1994), but would actually prefer to use Freeview with our PVR box.
KB Aerials sheffield
Wednesday 14 September 2011 10:49PM
Ian yes those prices seem correct
As for £50 "just" to remove old aerial what u have to concider is they are doing a similar task to installing an aerial
Ie
They are using fuel to get there they have to run the van have possibly a 40 mins drive to get to you a 40 min drive back time on site ladders off the van etc
They could be installing an aerial and earning more in the same amount of time they have to pay tax on the money too and possibly vat
So if they charge £30 they pay £8 in tax a fiver to run the van my van does 22mpg fully loaded and 40 with ladders and all tools out its not like running a high mpg car so would you risk going on a roof for £17 for aprox 2 hours of your time £8.50 an hour to risk your life - sorry no not worth it and before u say firemen earn about that they get their pensions paid
Ian
Wednesday 14 September 2011 10:51PM
If you think £30 is the price for the job, then phone around and find somebody willing to do it for £30.

If you can't, you could go and hire a set of ladders and do it yourself.

On the other hand, if you find the cheapest price to be £50, then that is what it seems you will have to pay, or just wait for it to fall to the ground under its own steam.

Ian
Thursday 15 September 2011 12:47AM
Thank you for the replies and hopefully I did not sound ignorant or like I wanted something for nothing. The firm is only 3 to 4 miles away, so approx 7 miles round trip. Our house and roof is easy to deal with, and the aerial is in an easily accessible spot etc. I doubt the whole job would take more than an hour, possibly less.

I appreciate your assessment and opinions, and therefore have decided to accept the £50 price.

Thank you for your time gentlemen!
KB Aerials sheffield
Thursday 15 September 2011 7:21AM
Ian , no problem

Thing about our job is no one wants to do it because of the risks involved but some people feel they shouldnt have to pay

Thankyou for seeing mine and ians point of view

Keith
Ron Lake
Thursday 15 September 2011 10:00AM Wakefield
Robert, Wutty, Brian, It seems to me that this whole country is fast losing any remnants of a sense of humour.
Come on guys, it was funny when you think about it. If a stand up comedian had used the same phrases, you would all be rolling about, admit it.
If my remarks have caused offence to anyone then I apologise, unreservedly.
Can't help thinking though that the term 'installation' would have avoided any of this, and yes I do accept that 'erection' is also a proper term for putting up an aerial.
The whole episode is hardly worth a flame war after all.
Have a good day all and be wary of the high winds.
Mark Aberfan Aerials
Thursday 15 September 2011 10:34AM
Hi Guys,

I'm still around & still can do a basic rig for £75 & make a living, Its not really a matter of choice, if the customer can get a cowboy for £50 I have to be competitive & offer a professional job at £75 to stand a chance of getting any work, my basic rig is a rx 12 / a crank & swivel / 10m rg6 / alloy co-ax connector, of course I would prefer to use a bechmarked aerial / ct100 cable etc but if the customer isnt willing to pay for that, then they get what they will pay for. I would add that in the valleys on the local relays my basic rig works perfectly & we dont get callbacks or problems with them.
We do all kinds of work from basic rigs to commercial system work but I have to say the basic rig is our bread & butter work which can lead to further work such as freesat installs if the customer dosent like the channel choice available from freeview lite on the local relay transmitters.

Mark Aberfan Aerials
Briantist
Thursday 15 September 2011 11:24AM
Ron Lake: I've just past a local scaffolding firm's van and it had "satisfaction with every erection" on the back...
Steve P
Thursday 15 September 2011 6:22PM
Did you see the van signed

"Desai and Patel Aerial Installers

You've tried the cowboys, now try the Indians"


<< as for female aerial riggers im not aware of a single one - I know one of my friends who is another aerial installer does know one female aerial installer >>

KB - so you ARE aware of one? Or is she not single?

KB Aerials Sheffield
Thursday 15 September 2011 6:25PM Sheffield
Brian - Ron - yep seen those on scaffold ERRECTORS and it makes me smile

If you cant have a laugh and a smile what the hell is the point in living

Were not tax men and the end of the day we can have a bit of fun

a lots been taken away from us - dont take humor away please

Mark Aberfan Aerials

all sounds fine to me!

Incidentally Mark - is most of the area you cover on freeview lite transmitters - how are people responding to this - is it a case of well I haven't had it so wont miss it ?

Keith KB Aerials
Mazbar
Thursday 15 September 2011 8:07PM Ormskirk
Did anyone see tge advert in the daily mirror today for action aerials, they requier riggers have 4 years experance. What rigger with over 4 years doing the job would want to work for them ?
KB Aerials Sheffield
Thursday 15 September 2011 8:40PM Sheffield
saw similar ad 10 odd years ago and agree
but ive just been talking to a customer who claims a local rigger is going bankrupt

Must be spending too much!
Mark Aberfan Aerials
Thursday 15 September 2011 9:33PM
Hi Keith,

As you could imagine, the locals are less than impressed with freeview lite & they point out that previously the were denied channel 4 & five in analogue days & now they have been shafted again & then to really rub salt in it looks like the proposed new muxes will also be denied to them.
I have to say that I totally agree with them, it is not good enough, ofcom should be ashamed at doing such a shoddy deal on the broadcast licences, it should of been all or nothing that the broadcasters bid for.

The so called digital dividend has become the digital divide both here & in many other rural areas throughout the UK.

Mark Aberfan Aerials
KB Aerials Sheffield
Thursday 15 September 2011 10:02PM Sheffield
so its loads of freesat installs then !
Mark Aberfan Aerials
Thursday 15 September 2011 10:30PM
Hi Keith,

With regards to the installer going bankrupt, we have cut back on spending due to the current economic climate, one of the first things to go was trade body membership, & I have to say we have not missed it at all, we survived for many years without it before & have not suffered without it since leaving & I'm a few hundred pounds better off ! The customers dont give a toss about it, they only thing most want to know is how much the job will cost !

Mark Aberfan Aerials

Ian
Thursday 15 September 2011 10:40PM
I take it Mark that you were never a member of the 'Cowboys and Indians' (CAI) then?
KB Aerials Sheffield
Thursday 15 September 2011 11:08PM Sheffield
I did al the palarva of training for RDI 4 years ago with a guy i was training up - he joined I never got round to it he says he has had a hand full of jobs from it

I joined a few month back because some arse too exception to me having Digt al on my van - yes shouldnt have but ---- i did - didnt say I was a member of rdi or CAI

any how joined cause of that - ive had about 3 jobs off it in total I know about so its paid for the membership but wont be renewing next year

no one has asked to see my card no one asks if im a member of any body

no one is aware they exists so who gives a F

I do a good job in my opinion I have good word of mouth and am recommended

and I seem to charge a fair price - (according to what other riggers round here charge)

waste of time if you ask me joining RDI or CAI

Keith
Mark Aberfan Aerials
Thursday 15 September 2011 11:58PM
Hi Guys

No I never became a member of the other outfit, I think to be honest I'm better off on my own, like keith I have good word of mouth & get a high proportion of my work through customer recommendation, I dont want to be associated with some people who are now members & think that being associated with those people through a trade body could damage my hard earned reputation.

There are some very good & highly respected trade body members, but as far as I can see they are outnumbered by the bandwagon jumpers who have just done their 4 day course to get qualified !
The other thing is some of the worst national companies are members, the ones that often get mentioned in very unflattering terms in this and other forums, who on earth wants to be associated with those sort of companies !

Mark Aberfan Aerials
lesnicol
Friday 16 September 2011 7:47AM
Mark Aberfan - KB Aerials - Being located in the Scottish Borders area unless one can receive Selkirk or Caldbeck, it seems that much of what I posted earlier regarding "Freeview" Lite is being confirmed. We were the first area to go digital and it has very much registered, although not at the start, that "Freesat" is the better option unless of course viewers that can afford to line Murdochs, pockets further, opt for SKY.
wutty
Friday 16 September 2011 11:52AM
This forum is getting too serious for me . . . use the word "installation" rather than "erection" . . . don't think I've never woken up with an installation.... and as for Briantist's 'round the horne' comment, all I can say is "right hand up and down a bit it is, sir!"
wutty
Friday 16 September 2011 11:59AM
Arrggh ! Ooopps!! I've just realised that was the Navy Lark, not Round the Honre... so my last comment didn't make any sense at all . . I'm going to stop this post now, its all getting too much.
Ron Lake
Friday 16 September 2011 1:47PM Wakefield
Wutty, I still think it was funny, don't lose your sense of humour, it's about the only thing that isn't taxed, YET lol.
Ron Lake
Friday 16 September 2011 2:18PM Wakefield

Hahaha, Brian "satisfaction with every erection",
Steve P, "Desai and Patel Aerial Installers
You've tried the cowboys, now try the Indians"

Brilliant, after all, advertising is all about getting people to notice you, and the play on words with the double meanings has kept comedy writers going for years.

Keith KB Aerials, "If you cant have a laugh and a smile what the hell is the point in living" Fully agree with you.

It is my sincere hope that all you riggers get as many 'erections' as you can handle in the future.



Steve P
Friday 16 September 2011 5:25PM
...and that none of your erections ever droop; or your active elements lose sensitivity.

Ron Lake
Friday 16 September 2011 8:18PM Wakefield
Haha Steve P, Kenneth Williams would have been proud of you. Sadly my erection has been drooping for years and the active elements are a bit rusty.
OOOOOOOHHHHH Matron. Think I'll go and sort my channels out.
KB Aerials Sheffield
Friday 16 September 2011 10:29PM Sheffield
Does any one take any notice of this before they make any posts

UK Free TV is here to help people. If you are rude or disrespectful all of your posts will be deleted and you will be banned.

HE HE

its all made me chuckle

Night all!

Keith
Ron Lake
Saturday 17 September 2011 12:32AM Wakefield
Just a bit of light hearted banter Keith but we may have 'fallen off' topic again so as long as you don't fall off your ladder laughing, all will be well, night to you too.
Steve P
Saturday 17 September 2011 12:59AM
KB - I think Brian's warning is directed at rudeness to himself or to others rather than at a little sauciness.

How about some real life "What the aerial installer saw" stories?
KB Aerials Sheffield
Saturday 17 September 2011 7:51AM Sheffield
you know what - ive seen bugger all thats worth reporting unfortunately you would think standing on a roof being able to survey loads of bedroom windows - absolutely nothing to report!

i did do pizza delivery when I was about 20 to pay for a holiday (before I worked for my self erecting erections - ooops I mean installing installs)

there was one customer who whenever i visited was always in a state of undress - and she was fairly fit so that was nice

must just be unlucky not spotting interesting stuff !

Mind you - today is my anniversary - been with my Girl friend 2 years today (no not joking - deadly serious)

I had a call from a guy - my daughter needs a satellite dish for freesat installing to 3 rooms --- well 2 years later were still together she obviously was impressed with my erection
Ian
Saturday 17 September 2011 3:47PM
I received a call on Thursday,

'I've changed my TV stand and now cannot operate Sky from other rooms'

I told him my Service Call charge was £65.00 + parts.

He agreed to this and I visited yesterday (Friday), I immediately went to the back of the Sky HD receiver and saw that he had connected the RF2 lead to RF1, (RF1 not being in use as he was using the HDMI Lead).

I moved the cable over to RF2 and everything was back to normal.

He asked me how much he owed me, I said, ‘just give me a tenner’.

He asked me to send him a bill as he did not have any money or cheque book.

I gave him a card and told him to ‘pop it in the post’.

Today I received in the post a short note of thanks and a crisp twenty.

Just to show that sometimes there is a fair side to us aerial installers, I know the first person he will call when he wants another job doing.
Mazbar
Saturday 17 September 2011 4:07PM Ormskirk
Today i saw a unix32 aerial on a 6ft 1" mast held up by an ssb how do these people sleep at night
Steve P
Saturday 17 September 2011 4:19PM
KB - have you integrated your installations?
Steve P
Saturday 17 September 2011 5:47PM
Mazbar - I didn't even know you COULD hold up a mast by modulation. Especially with only a single side band.
Mazbar
Saturday 17 September 2011 6:53PM Ormskirk
Steve self supporting bracket = ssb the type of chimney bracket that cr*p riggers smash into the sand and cement.
Mark Aberfan Aerials
Saturday 17 September 2011 7:18PM
Hi Mazbar

Jesus, I didnt realise those crap brackets were still in production, mind you cheap crap is always popular with some of the masses that are only concerned with price. The basic rig I sell is pretty basic, but I think I'd rather lose a job than fit a self supporting bracket.

Mark Aberfan Aerials
Mazbar
Saturday 17 September 2011 7:33PM Ormskirk
Mark it got worse still it was only a two pot chimney i will admit i have used ssb but the last time i used one it was a 16 pot chimney and the roof was like the north face of the eiger. The next job after i saw that one today the next door house had a new large aerial split to two points. First problem with it 6" wall bracket bolted to the chimney i hate that. Second problem the splitter was the indoor metal f splitters why not use a proper external splitter that would only cost a small amount extra. This is what we have to put up with in the north west area around liverpool god give me strength .
Steve P
Saturday 17 September 2011 8:21PM
Ah! You mean like we have on our new digital aerial? A bracket held on by expansion bolts of some sort?

I'm happy with it, but it is only holding a modest sized Ae at its own level, not up a pole, and it is fixed into holes drilled in the bricks. V. solid 4/6 pot stack.

Apparently 3 storey building are an elfin safety ischew to put a new wire round.

The very old big ae it replaced - pointing at S Coldfield so older than the Wrekin tx I presume - was on a wire round the whole stack and well on the way to chopping off the top of the stack
Mark Aberfan Aerials
Saturday 17 September 2011 8:31PM
Hi Mazbar,

I'm with you, about the wall bracket drilled into the chimney, I hate that too ! closely followed by white cables over roofs / sky type mini shotgun cable / white cables held by black tacks etc. Im a bit tidy obsessive which most customers love ! seeing white shotgun over the roof tacked down the wall with black tacks would send me over the edge ! I admit that it would work, but I couldn't live with it !

Mark Aberfan Aerials
Mazbar
Saturday 17 September 2011 8:37PM Ormskirk
steve p you should never put a wall bracket on a chimney, a chimney is only one brick thick and has very little strength the only times i see a wall bracket on a chimney 99 out of 100 times it has been fitted by a cowboy sorry but that's the way it is
Mazbar
Saturday 17 September 2011 8:42PM Ormskirk
mark have you seen the SAC black and white shotgun coax white on one side and black on the other why carn't all cable be like that would save me from having to carry different coloured cable and from having to run cable one coloured on the outside then having to either put a j box or a conector on the inside



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