FINDING A CERTIFIED TRADESPERSON

There are many benefits to choosing a contractor who is a member of a regulatory body – here are 10 organisations to look out for…

NICEIC

The UK’s leading certification body for electricians is NICEIC – the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting. Any electrical work undertaken should always meet the requirements of BS7671. Hiring a NICEIC registered contractor ensures your electrical work is compliant and safe. Head to niceic.com.

GAS SAFE REGISTER

This is the official list of gas businesses who are registered to work safely and legally on boilers, cookers, fires and all other gas appliances. By law all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register. To find a Gas Safe registered engineer visit gassaferegister.co.uk/find-an-engineer.

CIPHE

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering is the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry. CIPHE members are vetted before being accepted so you can be confident that you will be employing someone with the necessary skills and high standards. Find members in your area at ciphe.org.uk.

FMB

The Federation of Master Builders is the largest membership organisation in the building industry, with more than 7,000 independently inspected and professionally vetted tradespeople and companies across the UK. Visit fmb.org.uk/find-a-builder to find a trade in your area.

PAINTING AND DECORATING ASSOCIATION

The PDA is the largest trade and employers’ association in the UK painting and decorating industry. PDA members are fully insured skilled and experienced professionals. Visit paintingdecorating association.co.uk for more information.

GLASS & GLAZING FEDERATION

The GGF is the leading trade authority representing companies that make, supply or fit glass and glazing products in the UK. When you use a Glass & Glazing Federation member you are guaranteed to be using a reputable company that ensures your installation is to the highest technical standards. MyGlazing.com is the GGF’s consumer advice website.

HETAS

The Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme is a UK organisation working for consumer safety, efficient and environmentally responsible use of biomass and other solid fuels. Visit hetas.co.uk for a range of approved services, including registered installers, stove retailers, chimney sweeps and servicing technicians. HETAS also runs an independent product approval scheme for stoves, boilers, biomass systems and chimney products.

NFRC

The largest trade association for the roofing industry in the UK, NFRC’s members are all independently inspected upon entering membership and then again every three years after that. It also manages a Competent Person Scheme that, if replacing more than 50 per cent of the roof, saves you the time, cost and effort of having to get Building Control sign-off. Find a member by visiting nfrc.co.uk.

RIBA

The Royal Institute of British Architects is a global professional membership body whose members – RIBA Chartered Architects and Practices – not only design buildings but also oversee projects from conception to completion – on time and on budget. RIBA Chartered Architects work to a strict code of conduct and those who work for RIBA Chartered Practices meet the ultimate quality standard in the UK. Use the free Find an Architect service at architecture.com.

THE TILE ASSOCIATION

TTA is the national trade association for the entire UK tiling market, including manufacturers, retailers and tile fixers. All TTA members are checked prior to taking out membership to ensure they meet the highest financial, technical and service standards so it makes sense to employ a TTA member. A list can be found at tiles.org.uk.