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20 September 2011 11:50
Home improvements
How to avoid rogue traders
If you're thinking about home improvements, make sure that you choose a trusted tradesperson before you sign any agreements.
Homeowners worried about how to find a trusted tradesperson and losing a substantial deposit in the light of the recent collapse of high street names such as Moben and Dolphin should ensure that their chosen retailer is a member of a recognised trade association and offers deposit protection, so says the national trade association for the kitchen bathroom and bedroom industry, the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association, (KBSA).
“Finding a reliable tradesperson remains a worrying issue for many people embarking on a home makeover,” says KBSA CEO Graham Ball. “The recent high profile administrations have added even more stress as consumers know that if they are caught up in the failure of a business it will result in losing money and maybe an unfinished installation.
“There are a number of websites now that claim to offer a database of recommended tradesmen but we would urge homeowners to also check for membership of a recognised trade association as well.”
All KBSA members are carefully vetted prior to admission and they must have been trading for at least two years in order to be considered for membership. Once they become members they follow an Approved Code of Practice and are subject to strict monitoring to ensure continued professional service.
Homeowners can buy with confidence from a KBSA member because they offer a comprehensive ConsumerCare Plus Scheme which covers the deposit, advance payment, work-in-progress and a 6-year warranty.
Many KBSA members have also been approved to trade as Trustmark accredited retailers via membership of the KBSA. This Government backed programme is part of its ‘anti-cowboy’ legislation and helps consumers find reliable and trustworthy professional tradesmen to carry out repairs and improvements to the inside and outside of their homes.
All KBSA members are dedicated to upholding the association’s high standards of design, supply, installation and customer service throughout the interiors industry.
All KBSA members are listed on the KBSA website, www.kbsa.org.uk, and a postcode search will locate the nearest retailers.
The KBSA offers the following guidelines on investing in a home makeover:
1.Visit a company that has a showroom so you can inspect the quality of the product and the standard of installation.
2.Choose a retail member with a track record of good installations and ask to speak to some past customers and even visit them in their homes if possible.
3.Be careful about paying in full for your kitchen in advance. You should not pay a deposit of more than 25% and it is likely that you will be required to make an interim payment, ask for a written payment schedule which includes the timings of any interim payment and final retention.
4.Make sure you have a written quotation that covers every aspect of the job, including fitting, flooring and any structural alterations you may have discussed.
5.Don’t sign anything unless you are prepared to honour your side of the contract. Some terms and conditions have expensive cancellation clauses. If in doubt contact the KBSA.
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