How to avoid the cowboys – and keep your insurer on your side in case t
BEFORE starting a project, always get quotes from two or three providers. Do not go for the cheapest, but the one with which you feel most comfortable.
A handyman who is immediately available is not always the best option, neither is a jack-of-all-trades. It is often better value long-term to pay extra for individual builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and tilers who specialise in their trade.
Go through exactly what you require so there is no
misunderstanding and read the contract carefully to ensure that if there are any problems these will be sorted out as part of the agreed payment.
Members of Britain’s largest building trade association, the Federation of Master Builders, sign up to a building work guarantee and agree to independent arbitration in case of dispute. Local members can be found on its website at fmb.org.uk.
The website of another trade body which lays out professional standards – the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – is rics.org/uk.
A sign of quality to look out for is the TrustMark logo – a blue and red handshaking image.
TrustMark is the only ‘find a tradesman’ scheme run to Government standards and it has 14,500 registered firms in Britain. It carries out onsite inspections and tests registered members’ skills.
Liz Male, chairwoman of TrustMark, says: ‘What matters most is that you find someone qualified to do the work, not the cheapest deal.
‘Do not fall for leaflets pushed through the door or small ads. Find a reputable firm and expert in the area by looking for a TrustMark logo.’
You can call TrustMark on 01344 666104 or visit its site at trustmark.org.uk.
Before rolling up your sleeves and doing the work yourself it is worth bearing in mind that repairing botched DIY jobs can end up costing more than paying for experts.
Research by Halifax found 5 per cent of homeowners have damaged the home due to DIY disasters such as drilling through water pipes and spilling paint on carpets, at a typical cost of £440.
Martyn Foulds, a claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, says: ‘For specialist jobs involving gas, electrical, plumbing or structural work, it is essential to call in experts – otherwise homeowners risk invalidating their home insurance.’
Nationwide Building Society points out that it might be necessary to take out additional insurance against accidental damage, not just for you but for tradesmen.
Halifax says that adding such cover to home and contents insurance typically costs an extra £50 a year.
If the home is going to stand empty for long periods of time or external windows or doors are removed while work is carried out it can also affect your insurance, so tell the insurer before starting.
And if you are extending your home it could increase the rebuild price of the property, so the insurance will have to be updated.
To cover building work being carried out by others, check to see if you have a Joint Contracts Tribunal contract that will set out responsibilities.