The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's (DETI) Trading Standards Service is urging consumers to be vigilant when paying for building or home improvement work.

Stephen Thompson, Manager with Trading Standards' consumer complaint helpline, Consumerline, has offered advice on the do’s and don'ts of paying for such labour, as consumers may fail to realise if charges quoted or services provided by a company or contractor are reasonable.

Mr. Thompson said: "Before getting any building work done, you should seek a written quotation and contract, agreeing payment arrangements and start and finish dates.

"Be suspicious if you are suddenly being charged for extra expenses. If you have agreed a price beforehand, you should not have to pay for 'extras'. Sometimes unexpected extra work will be needed, but agree the additional costs in writing before any extra work starts."

-- Advertisement --

Trading Standards has also advised against paying large deposits and has warned consumers never to pay the total cost upfront.

Mr. Thompson continued: "There is a risk that if you pay most or all of the cost up front that the trader will never return and you will have lost your money, while the work remains unfinished. In all cases, you should try to retain enough money to ensure the trader completes the job on time and to your satisfaction.

"If you have employed a company, do not pay the individual builder or other tradesman. Always pay the company. You should not make any final payment until you are satisfied the work has been carried out properly and meets the terms of the contract. Always ask for an invoice, including VAT, and a signed receipt for every payment made. Keep all paperwork in a safe place.

"If you've 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 cost between £100 and £30,000. Tell the lender if there is a dispute.

"And finally, think carefully and take legal advice before you withhold payments as your future credit rating could be affected."

(LC)