Monday, July 18th 2011
Homeowners worried about how to find a trusted tradesperson and losing a substantial deposit in the light of the recent collapse of high street names such as Moben and Dolphin should ensure that their chosen retailer is a member of a recognised trade association and offers deposit protection, so says Countess (Kitchens& Bedrooms) Ltd
Countess (Kitchens& Bedrooms) Ltd has been trading for 19 years from Mounsey Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston and is a member of the only national trade association for specialist kitchen bathroom and bedroom retailers, the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association, (KBSA).
“Finding a reliable tradesperson remains a worrying issue for many people embarking on a home makeover,” says Steve Cowburn
“The recent high profile administrations have added even more stress as consumers know that if they are caught up in the failure of a business it will result in losing money and maybe an unfinished installation.
“There are a number of websites now that claim to offer a database of recommended tradesmen but we would urge homeowners to also check for membership of a recognised trade association as well.”
As a KBSA member Countess (Kitchens& Bedrooms) Ltd offers the security of a national trade association that upholds standards of design, supply, installation and customer service. They also offer a reassuring ConsumerCare Plus insurance scheme which covers the deposit, advance payments, work in progress and a 6- year warranty for extra peace of mind.
Countess (Kitchens& Bedrooms) Ltd also follows an Approved Code of Practice and is subject to strict monitoring to ensure continued professional service. All KBSA members are carefully vetted financially prior to admission and they must have been trading for at least two years in order to be considered for membership.
All KBSA members are listed on the KBSA website, www.kbsa.org.uk, and a postcode search will locate the nearest retailers.
Countess (Kitchens& Bedrooms) Ltd the following guidelines on investing in a home makeover:
1. Visit a company that has a showroom so you can inspect the quality of the product and the standard of installation.
2. Choose a retail member with a track record of good installations and ask to speak to some past customers and even visit them in their homes if possible.
3. Be careful about paying in full for your kitchen in advance. You should not pay a deposit of more than 25% and it is likely that you will be required to make an interim payment, ask for a written payment schedule which includes the timings of any interim payment and final retention.
4. Make sure you have a written quotation that covers every aspect of the job, including fitting, flooring and any structural alterations you may have discussed.
5. Don’t sign anything unless you are prepared to honour your side of the contract. Some terms and conditions have expensive cancellation clauses. If in doubt contact the KBSA.
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