One for Realist or other Sky experts!

I have never had Sky, but was recently tempted to join by one of the offers. A subcontracted installer turned up and fitted my new system.

However, i have a few queries/problems with the actual installation:

a. I asked for the cable that came through the wall to be neat and out of site and suggested a point. The engineer said that he had concerns that the chimney breast may be behind that part of the wall and if so, his drill will not reach. I suggested we measure to find out for certain. The engineer had a quick look outside, came back in and said it will be ok. Fast forward and yes, the breast was behind and his drill would not reach, so we went for a different entry point, but i now have a hole through my wall and recently decorated (?25 per roll) wallpaper (we only moved in last month!)

b. The cable was fed through and no caps put on outside wall or inside wall - just the cable fed through and hanging loose. I asked about the caps when he had finished and was told he didn't have any with him.

c. Installer said he cannot lift carpets or fit cable, so i now have a cable running round my living room i have to fit (looking at Sky T&C it looks like this is my responsibility).

d. When the cable was pushed through (it was raining outside) the cable was wet and muddy and so as it was pushed through it dirtied the wall and living room curtain - when he fitted the cable to the box, he didn't even give it a wipe. I have wiped down the wall, wiped the cable and will give the curtains a wash (dry clean only!)

e. Installer left his company card and then left.

The installer couldn't wait to get the job done and get out (i've been told they are on a tight schedule) So, yes, a few minor problems, but I will be making a complaint regarding the:

a. No caps (especially on the external of the house).

b. The hole in my wall/wallpaper.

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Now, the problem I have is the installer was from AVC and I have read that they will lose their fee should a callout be made to their work L I don't want anyone to lose their money, but I do want this work rectified.

Do I complain to Sky and request that one of their installers come and look at it, or do I go direct to AVC?!

Any advice or is this the standard Sky is happy with?

Thanks for looking!

Sky Installers always bodge it and leg it. Apologies to any on here, but I have never seen any different. I think they get paid very little for the install so need it done in the shortest possible time.

I have seen many poor installs in people's houses. Do people really want a cable run from the back to the front of their house that runs inside, is stapled to a wall and is drilled through an internal wall? Bodge of the highest order.

Whenever I have had Sky I either install the dish and cabling myself, or ask them to fit the dish and clip the cable to ground level, and then I will take it into the house.

As for recompense, I'd speak to Sky's customer complaints department and see what they say. If they aren't helpful a quick email to Andrew Murdoch always helps things along.

Well firstly and always the best port of call is Sky complaints, after all your the customer. You could always call AVC direct and complain to them and if you get no joy then call Sky complaints.

I know that they will do something about it and I've seen some real doggy work done by sub contractors but I've also seen doggy work by Sky engineers as well.

Your the customer and if your not 100% happy then complain.

I would also take photo's of the damaged area's and put everything in writing, that way your covered.

Regards

Did you sign his sheet? why didnt you mention it to the guy while fitting it

jag

Thats sub contractors M8 Sky engineers dont get paid per job subbies do hence the reason why they rush and dont do a 1st class job.

Sky Installers always bodge it and leg it. Apologies to any on here, but I have never seen any different. I think they get paid very little for the install so need it done in the shortest possible time.

Thats sub contractors M8 Sky engineers dont get paid per job subbies do hence the reason why they rush and dont do a 1st class job.

Ah I see, that makes sense. Sorry.

advice taken and email fired off to Sky complaints. It's a shame as i do have Sky now, which was the main goal, the guy was polite and punctual, just not happy with no caps/covers and a bloody hole in my wallpaper and wall!

Thanks

Keep us updated.

I know it wasnt an option, but I always made sure I was hooked up before decorating. The only thing to do is 'make good' afterwards. Like Realist said, complain. But TBH, I cant see much coming from it apart from an apology and perhaps the first month free if your lucky.

Subbies will always bodgit and scarper, they are paid on quantity and not quality. Let us know if you get any joy from Sky though.

Sky will contact AVC who will have to investigate and do a report, normally a manager calls round to resolve the problem face to face.

Yes if your redecorating running wires for sky, lan, and telephone always a good idea.

I don't know why it is "best practice" for SKY and these companies to run cables down the front, sides or back of peoples houses. It looks like shit.

Can you imagine getting an outside light installed - with the cable running down your outside wall and fed into your electricity feed.

I don't know why it is "best practice" for SKY and these companies to run cables down the front, sides or back of peoples houses. It looks like shit.

Can you imagine getting an outside light installed - with the cable running down your outside wall and fed into your electricity feed.

They do that as in the past (in particular cable co's) used to get sued for supposed damage to carpets etc. also the install cost would be a fortune to run the cable under floor boards, move furniture etc (I know im a sparky by trade)

//Bod

So explain how else is it to be done without causing uneeded damage to a customers house like as stated above lifting carpets, pulling floorboards up etc etc.

Its a basic install after all.

I've had a contractor round who left a roll of tape in the gutter causing it to overflow a few months later.

When I had a proper sky engineer round he was much better. He wasn't too happy about installing it in the bedroom and not the living room but he was still tidy etc.