UK Trade associations for Installers
Benefits for Consumers – Installer Trade Bodies
In terms of home improvements, replacing your windows, doors or adding a conservatory are some of the most popular and with so many installers in the UK to choose from, it’s important to be able to differentiate between the good & the not so good.
One of the first things to look for in any company that you are considering, is to check that they are proper members of at least one of the recognised and approved trade associations.
There is good reason to ensure installers are approved by the top trade associations, mostly to do with having confidence in the installer to carry out the work to a high standard with enhanced consumer protection and having competitive pricing for conservatory designs.
- Insurance Backed Guarantees
- Certified as Competent
- Installers are vetted
- Work is inspected annually
- All work done to ‘code’
- Avoid ‘Cowboy’ installers
- Compensation Schemes
- Arbitration & Ombudsman oversight
- Previous work vetted
- Installer financial stability
The most well-known UK Trade associations for Installers
- The Glass & Glazing federation (GGF)
- Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA)
- Certification & Self -Assessment Scheme (CERTASS)
There is also a scheme which is geared towards consumer protection:
Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme. (DGCOS) Their members must provide all of the benefits of DGCOS to all of its customers, and DGCOS has access to a compensation fund through the ombudsman.
It’s well worth your effort to make sure that your installer is competent & certified to do the proposed work.
