Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides information on how to Find a trader and check you can trust them, and how to check schemes that recommend traders, including:
- TrustMark - the Government’s trader scheme
- the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme
- Buy with Confidence
- Which? Trusted Trader
You can also Contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline if you need help with finding a trader, for example if you have a disability that means you can’t easily look online.
Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire Trusted Traders Directory
Age UK’s Trusted Traders Directory supports the over 50s to hire safe, reliable traders.
Visit www.ageuk.org.uk for more information about the Trusted Traders Directory and the services that can be provided.
Consumer Friend
Consumerfriend.org.uk provides a checklist and guide to finding a good business, including:
- Ask friends and family for recommendations
- Seek references, read reviews, speak to previous customers and if possible, visit previous jobs
- Research a company and check their website
- Be specific and set out a clear, detailed description of what you want and need. Ask for quotes from at least three businesses. This gives you something to compare
- Don't just select the cheapest. Consider how you feel about the business and the way you have been treated so far; do you want them in your house? Can you work with them and communicate with them well? How is their previous quality of work and attention to detail?
- Only pay for work that has been completed unless you are using a payment service that protects your money
- If the business must pay some upfront costs for materials, it's ok for them to ask you for some money up front to cover some of these costs
- Always get a written contract
- Agree in writing on any changes that happen along the way, even if that is you emailing the business, so you have a record of what was said at the time
- Trust your gut instinct and only do business with someone you have a good feeling about
Visit consumerfriend.org.uk to read the checklist to find a good business and the finding a good business guide
Which? Trusted Traders
Which? Trusted Traders is a scheme run by Which? that recognises reputable businesses who successfully pass a process carried out by trading standards professionals.
You can find out more about the scheme and find Which? Trusted traders at which.co.uk
Find a ‘competent person’
Search the Competent Persons Register to find a tradesperson, or check that they belong to a scheme.
Search the Electrical Competent Person Register if you’re looking for an electrician to work on your home.
Find a plumbing or heating engineer
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering provides information for the public on:
- what to do in a plumbing emergency
- plumbing health hazards
- tips to cut energy bills and water waste
You can also Find a plumbing or heating engineer
Find out more at www.ciphe.org.uk
Consumer Code for Home Builders
The Consumer Code for Home Builders was developed by the home-building industry to make the home buying process fairer and more transparent for purchasers.
The Code is designed to help you understand what levels of service to expect from your builder, feel fully informed about your purchase and know your consumer rights before and after you move in. In the unlikely event that problems arise, a speedy, free dispute resolution scheme is available to deal with complaints about breaches of the Code.
Visit consumercode.co.uk for more information about the Consumer Code for Home Builders.
Home Improvement Consumer Protection Scheme (HICS)
The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Scheme (HICS) is a consumer protection organisation that gives consumers confidence when choosing accredited installers for their home improvement project.
Visit hicsscheme.org.uk for more information or to Find an accredited HICS installer
Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman
The Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman is an independent, not-for-profit, government approved organisation set up to help resolve disputes and raise standards.
They offer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training and advice to organisations and consumers in the retail, furniture, and home improvement industries, helping both sides reach a fair and reasonable outcome, which is binding on our members.
Visit FHIO.org for more information.
Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme
The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme aims to protect consumers and improve the reputation of the glazing industry.
Visit dgos.org.uk to Search for Windows, Doors & Conservatory installers near you
MCS standards for low-carbon energy technology products
MCS sets, defines and maintains the standards for low-carbon energy technology products, contractors and their installations. This includes heat pumps, solar, biomass, small wind and battery storage.
Membership of MCS demonstrates adherence to these recognised industry Standards, highlighting quality, competency and compliance.
MCS aims to decarbonise heat and power in the UK’s homes by giving you confidence in home-grown energy.
Visit mcscertified.com to Find a MCS Contractor
OFTEC – Trade association for liquid fuel heating equipment manufacturers and training providers
If your home is not on the gas grid, you will be one of around 20% of UK homes that have the option to choose an alternative central heating or cooking technology to mains gas.
This could be an electric heating, LPG, solid fuel or the most popular off-grid option, oil heating.
Oftec.co.uk provides heating information and advice for anyone living or working in a building not connected to the mains gas network.
Visit the OFTEC Consumer pages for more information or to Find an OFTEC registered technician
HIES
HIES is a consumer protection organisation covering the installation of renewable energy and home energy efficiency products.
Visit hiesscheme.org.uk for more information about the HEIS Consumer Code or to Find a HEIS installer
RECC
RECC sets out high consumer protection standards for businesses who are selling or leasing renewable energy generation systems to domestic consumers. RECC is approved by Chartered Trading Standards Institute as part of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme and is also a TrustMark Scheme Operator.
Visit recc.org.uk for more information about the RECC Consumer Code or to Find a Code Member
The Carpet Foundation
The Carpet Foundation is the UK carpet industry’s lead body. They are supported by over 450 carpet shops nationwide, all of whom follow a Code of Practice approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
Visit carpetfoundation.com for more information or to Find your local carpet expert
