last
updated 18th November 05
by 4ecotips.com
Get the right person for
the job
Each year Trading Standards departments
and other organisations receive more
than 110,000 complaints concerning
workmanship that's way below par.
As a result, millions of pounds are
wasted putting things right that should
not have gone wrong in the first place.
And usually it's all because homeowners
are tempted to run with the cheapest
quote or are led astray by promises
of a "professional job at half
the price!"
Everywhere you turn in the UK there
are bodgers who think they can do
a good job but just haven't got the
training, skills or knowledge to competently
complete a task. As a result there's
a trail of disappointment and anxiety,
not to mention a costly problem for
someone else to put right.
So it's a priority when using a tradesman
or builder for a home project, no
matter how large or small a home improvement
project, that you make sure you have
the right person for the job.
Don't have the wool pulled over your
eyes whether it's plumbing, electricity
building, building or decorating,
make sure you get quotes from three
different, reliable sources. Take
your time to check their pedigree
making sure they have all the right
qualifications and will be prepared
to let you talk to one of their customers
or see an example of their work.
Often the cheapest quote is rarely
the best. It may suit your pocket
at the time but it could be a false
economy! The most positive way to
select the right person for the job
is to make sure they belong to a reputable
trade or technical association.
Members of bone fide organisations
are fully qualified to undertake specialist
jobs around the home, including major
renovations and extensions. And reputable
associations, such as those that are
members of the National Home Improvement
Council offer a number of real safeguards
for householders. Many provide insurance
backing for their members' guarantees
plus certain Quality Mark commitments
and will also help sort out any contractural
problems.
It's very important that you ask
the person whom you intend employ
whether of not they have the appropriate
insurance cover for the project in
hand. Ensure that it's fully paid
up and that the insurer is approved
by the DTI (call 020 7215 0136, to
find out).
It can't be stessed enough that whatever
you do around your home it's always
essential to employ the right person.
Only then you can be sure that workmanship
will be durable and cost effective.
You can get good advice and assistance
by ringing the appropriate organization
listed below.
-
Association
of Plumbing & Heating Contractors
- 02476 470626
-
Electrical
Contractors Association
- 020 7313 4800
-
Energy
Saving Trust
- 020 7222 0101
-
Federation
of Master Builders
- 020 7242 7583
-
Glass
& Glazing Federation
- 020 7403 7177
-
Heating
& Hot Water Information Council
- 01926 430486
-
Heating
& Ventilating Contractors
Association
- 020 7313 4900
-
Insurance
Guarantee Association
- 01292 618060
-
Kitchen
Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association
- 01905 621787
-
National
Energy Action
- 0191 261 5677
-
National
Energy Services
- 01908 672787
-
National
Federation of Builders
- 020 7608 5150
-
National
Federation of Roofing Contractors
- 020 7436 0387
-
Solid
Fuel Association
- 01773 835400
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