Tips for Employing a Trader
Top tips for employing a trader
Trading Standards officers from Shropshire Council’s county public protection team are advising residents to properly plan and prepare their home improvement projects, to avoid being caught out with cowboy builders.
The following advice has been issued to help anyone thinking of employing a trader to carry out work at their home.
· Work out how much you want to spend.
· Get at least three written quotations from businesses.
· Compare prices as well as standards of service.
· Discuss the work required with the trader and agree exactly what you want doing in advance.
· Agree all details in writing: a standard contract is available at www.fmb.org.uk.
· Get a completion date in writing before any work starts.
· Discuss any problems with the builder as soon as they arise.
· Never agree to contract with doorstep sellers.
People can also visit the online Trader Register which has been set up by Shropshire Council and Telford and Wrekin Council to help consumers locate home improvement traders in the county. People can use this register – at www.traderregister.org.uk – to find a trader who has made a commitment to fair, honest trade, and to providing good customer service.
Anyone needing advice about problems that have already arisen should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Councillor David Roberts, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for local environment and economy, said: “With Christmas nearly over and many people now thinking about home improvements, we hope this advice will help them avoid being ripped off by unscrupulous or dishonest traders.
“We especially encourage people to visit the Trader Register as members of the scheme have signed up to a code of practice. In choosing a trader from the Register you are therefore making an important first step towards achieving the repair or home improvement that you want.”
For information on finding a trader visit www.traderregister.org.uk. or telephone Shropshire Council Customer Service Centre on 0845 6789 023.
