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Halifax launch home improvement advice website

Monday, 4 December 2006 12:00 AM

The UK's biggest mortgage lender has launched a new website offering householders free advice on home improvement.

The site from Halifax has been developed in response to figures showing rogue tradespeople wasted £1.5 billion of the nation's cash and generated 111,000 complaints in 2005.

And with new research showing 24 per cent of the country's home improvements are done by tradespeople, carrying out home improvements effectively and efficiently is more important than ever.

"When you are looking for tradesmen to help with maintenance, repair and building work around the home it is essential that you invest time and effort into choosing the right tradesman for your home improvements. This will be fundamental to the success of your DIY project," said Mark Heaton, head of mortgages at Halifax.

For the launch of the www.homeimprovementadvice.co.uk site, Halifax have issued some useful tips on how to choose the right professionals for your home improvements and how to avoid the rogue traders.

Choosing a tradesperson

  • Try to use tradesmen who have been recommended by a friend or neighbour or those who offer to introduce you to a satisfied customer. According to a recent Halifax survey, of all the responses given for places to go for reliable advice on home improvements, family or friends was the most popular choice among one in five.
  • Make sure you receive references or details of other jobs and take the time to check them out.
  • Always do your homework and take time to search the options and get at least three quotes before proceeding with the work. Always obtain a written specification and quotation. Try to use long-established locally based outfitters - never make a rash decision.
  • Remember the cheapest quote is not always the best. The cheapest quote, for example, might not provide the standard of quality that you require.
  • Check with organisations to make sure a trader's membership is legitimate.
  • Check the tradesperson has liability insurance for potential damage. Even with the most experienced and skilled contractor, things can go wrong, and an established insurance-backed guarantee will ensure a job is well completed, without extra expense.
  • Make sure you have a written contract, plans and completion dates.
  • Make sure you understand the jargon and terminology that tradespeople use. If you do not understand, keep asking for explanations until you do.
  • Talk to your builder straight away if you are unsure or unhappy about anything.

Rogue traders' tricks of the trade:

  • Using leaflets through the door, cold calling and 'doorstep deals' as a way of introduction.
  • Cheap 'cash in hand' deals or extremely low priced jobs.
  • Fitting used parts instead of new parts - always ask to see the receipt for the product used.
  • Hidden charges - ensure your quote includes parts, labour and VAT. Also always ask them to clarify the quotes include all charges and are quotes not estimates.
  • Beware of the tradespeople who only have a mobile phone contact number as they could easily disappear without a trace should things go wrong. Make sure the tradesperson's company has a registered address.
  • Small print - check it thoroughly before you sign anything and never agree to making full payments upfront.
  • Make sure builders confirm any changes to the contract in writing.
  • If things do go wrong with a tradesperson, you should complain immediately. Do not wait until the invoice arrives for you to voice your concerns.
  • If you have an unresolved complaint send the details to www.ripofftipoff.net, developed by Trading Standards and the DTI.

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