KEEP CLEAR OF THE COWBOYS – HOW TO FIND REPUTABLE TRADESPEOPLE FOR YOUR 2014 HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Consumer confidence has risen to its highest level in more than three years, according to a new report from Lloyds Bank.  With the UK having emerged from its prolonged recession, thousands of homeowners will now be planning home improvements in 2014 – extensions, new kitchens, bathrooms, boiler upgrades and perhaps renewable energy technologies.  Roderick Pettigrew, Chief Executive of B&ES, the Building & Engineering Services Association, who operate the free consumer advice service the Heating Helpline, has some timely advice to homeowners on how to find reputable companies for this work and the sensible steps to take to ensure everything goes smoothly.

4 March 2014 – Consumer confidence has risen to its highest level in more than three years, according to a new report from Lloyds Bank.  With the UK having emerged from its prolonged recession, homeowners will now be planning home improvements in 2014.  B&ES, the Building & Engineering Services Association, who operate the free consumer advice service the Heating Helpline, has some timely advice on how to find reputable companies for this work and the sensible steps to take to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Roderick Pettigrew, Chief Executive of B&ES, said, “With the return of consumer confidence homeowners who, understandably, have delayed undertaking more ambitious home improvements during the long recession will now be putting plans in place for extensions, new kitchens, bathrooms, boiler upgrades and perhaps renewable energy technologies.  These might be sizeable investments and they will want to steer well clear of the thousands of rogue traders and cowboy builders operating in the UK.

“For peace of mind we strongly recommend that homeowners only use the services of a TrustMark member.  It’s the only trade competence scheme officially endorsed and backed by the Government.  TrustMark was set up specifically to help homeowners and consumers locate local, reputable tradespeople to carry out quality improvements, repairs and maintenance work on their home or garden.  Then follow these simple guidelines to be sure of a completely satisfactory outcome:

• Obtain written and itemised quotes from at least three TrustMark members.  Ask for a written quotation – not an estimate.  A quote is legally binding but an estimate is not.

• Getting quotes will give you a realistic guide to how much the work is likely to cost and it will also help you plan for the work and look at ways to raise money, if you need to.

• Itemised quotes help you to compare what different traders charge for each part of the work.  They will also help you to decide which part you can remove if the costs are higher than your budget allows.

• Quotes should include VAT.  If it is not mentioned, check whether it is included and write down the final amount you will be asked to pay.  Agree how payments will be made and discuss potential delays to the work, including who is responsible for them and any cost related to delays.  Don’t pay up front – and a TrustMark member will not expect you to.

• Have a regular dialogue with the contractor and raise any issues as they arise – don’t wait until the end of the work.  Have a clear idea of when the final payment is due and remember that you are entitled to withhold a reasonable amount of money to ensure problems are put right.”

B&ES is an official operator for the heating and plumbing sector and was one of the first trade associations to join the TrustMark scheme.  All B&ES members that undertake gas work are also Gas Safe registered.

For more information about the TrustMark scheme visit: http://www.trustmark.org.uk.  For advice on home heating and energy saving, including how to locate a qualified, registered heating engineer, visit http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk.  The Heating Helpline has also published a series of information leaflets on all aspects of home heating and energy saving – you can request a free pack by calling 0800 810 8303.

Ends

Issued on behalf of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) by Next Step Marketing Ltd

Media enquiries to:  Heather Lambert.  Tel:  44(0)1256 472020;

Fax:  44(0)1256 471010; E-mail:  heather@nextstepmarketing.co.uk

Notes to editors

Since its formation in 1904, B&ES, the Building & Engineering Services Association (formerly the HVCA) has represented the interests of companies engaged in a wide range of building and engineering services including domestic heating and renewable technologies.

B&ES members are subject to regular, third-party inspection and assessment of their technical competence and commercial capability, carried out by an independent certification body at least every three years.

B&ES members who undertake gas installations are registered with Gas Safe – the gas safety watchdog body – and are also members of TrustMark, the Government-endorsed scheme designed to direct customers towards reliable tradespeople.

B&ES operates the Heating Helpline (http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk) to provide consumers with free, impartial advice on every aspect of home heating.

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