Saturday, 6 September 2008
If you have suffered flood damage to your house or garden, you might be tempted to accept the first offer that comes along, but this doesn’t always guarantee that you’ll be pleased with the result. Be prepared for the dodgy cowboy builders and repair companies who may try and exploit the situation. Never agree to have work done by someone who knocks on your door.
If you believe the damage needs dealing with urgently speak to your insurance company first. If you do not have adequate insurance cover and need help to find a reliable trader our advice is:
Always try to get three quotes from reputable companies and remember the best way to choose a trader is by personal recommendation
Fix a price and ask for a written quotation with the name and address of the builder and a landline contact number, don’t rely on a mobile number.
Use a builder who belongs to a trade association and check they do
Consider making staged payments and keeping back a significant part of the cost until the repair job has been satisfactorily completed. If you do this, you can ask for defects to be put right without the need to make a claim or go to court for compensation.
If you are buying goods or services costing over £100, consider paying by credit card, as you may be able to claim your money back from the card company if the trader fails to honour the contract.
Doncaster Council’s Trading Standards Service also has a Home Services Directory that contains the contact details of traders who have been vetted by the Service. To find a member telephone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.hsd.org.uk.
Anyone experiencing problems with traders, or needing further advice can call our consumer helpline, Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit www.consumer.direct.gov.uk
