Home improvements and building
If you're getting building work or home improvements done, it can be hard to know if the company or contractor is being reasonable in their charges and services. Follow our guide to make sure you get the results you want.
Trustmark and the Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme Network can help you find reputable and reliable tradespersons.
- Get a written quote and contract covering the work, the price, payment arrangements and start/finish dates
- Before you make any final payment make sure you are satisfied the work has been carried out properly and meets the terms of the contract.
- Be suspicious if you are suddenly being charged for extra expenses. If you have agreed a price beforehand for the work, you should not have to pay for 'extras'. Don’t be embarrassed to ask receipts.
- Sometimes unexpected extra work will be needed, but agree the additional costs in writing before extra work starts.
- Try to avoid paying deposits, particularly large deposits, and don’t ever pay the whole amount up front. There is a risk that the trader could disappear with your money and you will have less leverage over completion, quality etc.
- In all cases, you should try and keep back enough money to keep pressure on the trader to get on with the job and to finish it properly.
- But be fair about completion: pay promptly if everything contracted for has been completed satisfactorily.
Get and keep the paperwork
Get an invoice, including VAT, and ask for a signed receipt for every payment you make - keep all invoices and receipts.
Pay the company
Do not pay an individual builder, always the company.
When paying on credit
- If you have any kind of credit agreement, think carefully and take legal advice before you withhold payments as your future credit rating could be affected.
- If you paid by credit card or the work is being financed by a credit agreement arranged by the trader, the lender is jointly liable with the trader for any breach of contract (if the work costs between £100 and £30,000). Tell the lender if there is a dispute. See Bought on credit? for more information.
