Here are some guidelines:

  • Get more than one estimate including diagnosis of any faults that need repairing. Ask for some names addresses of former customers to check whether they would recommend the company. Make an appointment and visit the address if necessary to see the work yourself
  • Check If a company says its part of a trade association then check its membership
  • The Institute of Plumbers is a safe bet if you want a good plumber; the Glass and Glazing Federation for double glazers; The NHBC for Builders
  • Check if there is a call out charge

Get a quotation not an estimate

A quotation is a contract and fixes the price of work. Make sure all the details of the work to be done are in writing to be done and broken into stages.

Pay as little up front as possible

Don't ever pay cash. Always get a receipt for what the actual payment was for. Pay for the work in agreed stages as it progresses.

Preserving your position

Take photographs of the work before and after it's been done. Make sure the business you are employing knows you are taking photographs.

Keep a diary of events, especially promises made and promises broken.

Retain some payment - just in case. Give the wind and the rain a chance to see if the job stands up to it. Don't pay in full until you are completely satisfied.

In general

For big jobs you will probably need a RICS independent surveyor, a draughtsman planner, local authority building control inspector and planner, maybe even an architect.

Never trust advertising, it is not always legal, honest, decent and truthful. Just because the advertising is large and glossy doesn't mean the business and their work will be great and faultless. Check to see it they really are the members of the trade association claimed.

Remember guarantees are only worth the paper they are written on. 25 Year damp proof guarantee, ten years Double Glazing Guarantee is the company going to be around in that time?

Contact

Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow  E17 4SU

Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk