Paying for Home Improvements

When paying for home improvements and building work, follow these guidelines:

Try to avoid paying deposits, particularly large deposits, and don't ever pay the whole amount up front. There is a risk that the trader will disappear with your money and you will have less leverage over completion and quality.

But be fair about completion: pay promptly if everything contracted for has been completed satisfactorily.

Get a written quote and contract covering the work, the price, 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 for the work, you should not have to pay for 'extras'.

If you have any queries about paying for home maintenance you can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.