Simon Kelman Plumbing & Heating LTD

Based at Unit 7 on Harbour Road, Simon Kelman Plumbing & Heating LTD has established itself as a significant provider of plumbing and heating services throughout Inverness and the wider Highlands region since its founding in 2011. The company offers a broad spectrum of services for both domestic and commercial clients, covering everything from minor repairs to large-scale installations. Their operational hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, which is standard for the industry but important for potential customers to note, particularly those who might require services outside of typical working hours or on weekends.

Services and Specialisations

Simon Kelman Plumbing & Heating provides a comprehensive list of services. For homeowners, this includes general plumbing maintenance, such as fixing dripping taps, repairing toilets, and plumbing in new appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. They also handle more complex tasks, positioning themselves as specialists in full bathroom installation and renovation, including the fitting of wet rooms and modern fixtures like power showers and instant hot water taps. This suggests a capacity to manage entire projects, coordinating various trades to deliver a finished result with minimal disruption to the client.

A core part of their business is focused on heating. As Gas Safe registered engineers, they are qualified to work on natural gas, LPG, and oil-fired systems. This versatility is a key advantage for customers in the Highlands, where different fuel types are common. The company is an accredited installer for Worcester Bosch boilers, a well-regarded brand in the UK, and can offer guarantees of up to ten years on these installations. They also provide annual boiler repair and servicing for all makes and models, essential for maintaining efficiency and safety. For landlords, Simon Kelman offers crucial services such as Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) and Legionella risk assessments, ensuring properties meet legal requirements.

Customer Experiences: The Positives

A significant volume of customer feedback paints a positive picture of the company. Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and friendly demeanour of the staff, both in the office and on-site. An engineer named Sean (or Shawn) is mentioned by name in several different reviews for his polite, chatty, and efficient work ethic. This consistency in positive staff mentions suggests a strong company culture focused on customer service. Customers have expressed high satisfaction with work completed, ranging from oil boiler repairs and central heating servicing to the installation of new taps and toilets. One client praised the company for completing a full bathroom renovation to a high standard, on time, and within the agreed budget. Another noted the engineer's consideration in a home with nervous pets, highlighting a level of care that goes beyond the technical aspects of the job. The office staff are also commended for being helpful and friendly, contributing to a smooth overall customer journey.

Customer Experiences: Points for Consideration

However, not all customer experiences have been entirely positive, and it is important for potential clients to be aware of the full spectrum of feedback. One detailed account raises concerns about the company's approach to a relatively common issue: a blocked drain. The customer reported that after an initial visit, which included attempts with a plunger and a vacuum, the plumber was unable to resolve the blockage. The proposed next step was significantly more invasive and costly, involving lifting carpets and cutting a hatch in the floor to access the pipework. The customer was invoiced £108 for this initial, unsuccessful visit. Subsequently, the customer resolved the blockage themselves using a standard chemical drain unblocker. This experience raises questions about the company's problem-solving process for smaller jobs and its pricing structure for call-outs that do not result in a fix. While their website states they can handle a blocked drain, this specific instance suggests that their initial methods may not always be successful, potentially leading to significant costs for the customer before a resolution is found.

Company Credentials and Operations

Simon Kelman Plumbing & Heating holds several important industry accreditations which should provide customers with a degree of confidence. They are on the Gas Safe Register (the official list of engineers legally permitted to work on gas appliances in the UK), are CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) approved, and members of SNIPEF (Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation). These affiliations indicate a commitment to safety, quality, and industry best practices. Their extensive service area covers not just Inverness but numerous surrounding towns and villages, including Nairn, Aviemore, Dingwall, and Drumnadrochit, making them a viable option for a wide geographic region.

Operationally, the company is set up to handle both small domestic jobs and larger commercial contracts. Their standard working hours are weekdays only, which means they may not be the first port of call for an out-of-hours emergency plumber. While their website mentions they will try to get a plumber to an emergency within the day, their availability is ultimately limited by their 9-to-5, Monday-to-Friday schedule. For new boiler installations, they offer a 0% interest-free finance option through a partnership with Hitachi Finance, which can make a significant investment more manageable for homeowners.

Conclusion

In summary, Simon Kelman Plumbing & Heating LTD appears to be a well-established and professionally accredited company with a strong reputation for larger projects like central heating installations and bathroom renovations. The positive feedback regarding their friendly and competent engineers, particularly for boiler and servicing work, is a significant strength. However, potential customers, especially those with smaller, diagnostic-heavy problems like blockages, should consider the reported experience where a simple issue led to a substantial bill without resolution. The lack of weekend or evening service is another factor to weigh, especially if you require an urgent or emergency plumber. They are a strong contender for planned projects and specialised heating work, but it may be prudent to clarify their call-out fee structure and diagnostic process before engaging them for less straightforward repair jobs.