Press releases
19 April 2006
DIY or SOS - You Choose!
This time of the year many of us are looking to revamp our homes in time for summer. Redecorating, new furnishings, replacing existing flooring and new fitted kitchens are often in the top five of things to do. Recent statistics released by Consumer Direct showed home improvement and maintenance work as the top consumer complaint by Londoners during 2005. Beat the Bank Holiday rush and follow Consumer Direct’s top consumer tips to avoid the all too common DIY disasters!
Redecorating is a popular choice to revamp your home with a new coat of paint or wallpaper. Consumer Direct’s tips on buying products are:
- Is there a returns policy? Some traders have a ‘goodwill’ policy for returning unwanted or duplicated goods. If they don’t have a goodwill policy, you can ask if they will allow you to return the goods and have a refund.
- If goods are not faulty, the trader does not have to do anything. Traders may issue a credit note or exchange on a goodwill basis. Check how long the credit note is valid for.
- Your rights still apply if you lose your receipt, although alternative proof of purchase may be required such as a credit card bill or bank statement.
- You have the same rights when you buy goods in a sale as you do at any other time of the year.
New furnishings like sofas can mean a big purchase, often using credit or finance to make a purchase. Here’s some advice from Consumer Direct when buying on credit:
- Can you commit to making regular payments for a fixed period?
- Shop around. There are many financial products. Look at which is best for you.
- If you enter an agreement, check terms and conditions carefully.
- If you miss or make a late payment, you may have to pay a penalty fee as well as interest. Check terms and conditions.
Replacing existing flooring can be time consuming. With busy lives more people turn to traders to complete the work. How do you find a ‘reputable’ trader? Follow Consumer Direct’s advice:
- Ask friends and neighbours if they can recommend anyone.
- Use organisations such as Trustmark to help find a reputable trader.
- Get at least 3 quotes from traders for your work. Get quotes for a fixed price, not estimates.
- Be wary of people ringing you up or knocking on your door, especially if they want you to sign up for a deal on the spot.
Fitted kitchens can make cooking a dream! You’ve found your trader, made your choices but what happens if things go wrong?
- Avoid paying deposits and don’t ever pay the whole amount up front.
- Give the trader a chance to put things right.
- It’s always worth making a note of conversations, especially about prices and keeping a record of other interactions with the trader. This kind of record can prove valuable.
For further advice call Consumer Direct London on 08454 040506.
