Introduction
Have you recently had work done on your home and are now facing issues? Whether it’s poor-quality work or unexpected charges, it’s important to know your rights as a consumer. This guide will walk you through common problems and provide practical solutions to help you address these concerns effectively. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can contact the consumer helpline (or Consumerline in Northern Ireland) – a trained adviser can give you advice over the phone or by email.
If you’ve recently had work done on your home and something isn’t right, you might be feeling frustrated and unsure about what to do next. Whether it’s a botched job or a disagreement over costs, it’s important to know that you have rights as a consumer. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate these situations.
Step 1: Start by Communicating
The first thing you should do is reach out to the trader (the person or company who did the work). It’s best to address the issue directly with them, even if they subcontracted part of the work to someone else. Before you contact them, gather any relevant paperwork, receipts, and take photos of the problem. It’s also helpful to jot down notes about what happened, including dates and times.
Common Problems and Solutions
1. Poor Quality Work
Traders are required to perform their work with “reasonable care and skill.” If they haven’t met this standard, you have the right to ask them to fix the issue or to get some of your money back.
What to Say: You can say something like: “I believe the work done did not meet the standards set by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. I would like you to either fix the issue or provide a refund.”
2. Not Completing the Work
If the trader didn’t finish the work as agreed, they have breached the contract. You can ask them to complete the work as initially promised.
What to Say: “According to the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you are required to complete the work as we agreed. Please finish the job as promised.”
3. Delays in Completion
If the work wasn’t completed on time, give the trader a chance to finish. If you specified a deadline and they missed it, you can inform them that you no longer want them to continue.
What to Do: Send them a written notice stating that you expect the work to be completed by a specific date.
4. Unexpected Charges
If you were quoted a price but the final bill is higher, you need to check whether you were given a quote (fixed price) or an estimate (an approximation). If it was a quote, the trader cannot charge more unless there’s a good reason.
What to Say: “I was quoted a price for the work and I expect to pay that amount. Please provide justification for any additional charges.”
5. Unsafe Installations
If something was installed incorrectly and poses a danger, stop using it immediately. For electrical issues, unplug the appliance; for gas issues, call the National Gas Emergency Service. Report any dangerous structures to your local council. You can do this online in England and Wales. If you live in Scotland, you’ll have to contact your council directly.
What to Do: Contact Contend’s legal expert chat if you need guidance on how to report the trader for unsafe work.
If You Can’t Reach an Agreement
If discussions with the trader don’t lead to a satisfactory resolution, you can seek further help. Try Contend’s legal expert chat to get guidance on your rights and next steps. Their highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to help you understand and resolve your legal problems.
Contact Information
- Contend’s Legal Expert Chat: Access their chat feature for assistance and support.
Navigating issues with home improvement work can be challenging, but understanding your rights and knowing how to communicate effectively can help you resolve problems more smoothly. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel overwhelmed; there are resources available to guide you through the process.
For more info, check out some of our related articles:
