Did You Know?
The number of mortgage products on the market has fallen dramatically over the last year, with less than 4,000 products currently available, compared with 13,428 available this time last year – figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders.
So there may be some 'bargain' low cost properties available on the market in the current economic climate, but there are fewer mortgage options for borrowers, particularly prospective first time buyers. Not only are there fewer mortgage options, but borrowers may also find themselves having to pay a larger premium for the added risk that the mortgage lender is taking on in these uncertain times. It is, therefore, more important than ever to search out a good deal.
First of all, shop around. Banks, building societies, insurers, financial advisers and estate agents all offer mortgages. The range of deals on offer and the vocabulary used – standard variable rate, capped, tracker – can be confusing. The important thing is not to simply pick the mortgage with the lowest interest rate – you could find yourself trapped in a deal with a higher rate later in the term of the mortgage, with high penalties to pay if you choose to switch. To get a good deal you need to look at the bigger picture.
As well as offering a good interest rate, the best deals also offer you low initial set-up costs and the freedom to switch products or change lenders whenever you want.
If you're still confused, consider using a mortgage broker. While some charge a fee, many rely entirely on the commission they earn from the mortgage provider, meaning you can benefit from their knowledge and expertise without paying a penny! And remember, if you see a property that you can make a low offer for in the current economic climate, and that needs some renovating, just visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk to see how inexpensively you can renovate that property.
Friday, 13 June 2008
How to create the perfect home office
Feature - How to create the perfect home office
May 15th saw this year’s first National Work from Home Day. Now nearly 3.5 million people work from home in the UK. But still twenty-five million people in the UK currently commute to and from a fixed place of work, according to the RAC Foundation, of which 18 million people go by car – the rest by other means. If we jump ahead 17 years, reports suggest that by 2025, congestion will waste around £22 billion worth of time in England alone.
Working from home saves time, energy and money, not to mention reducing carbon emissions and pollution – the travel cost savings made in just six months could mount up to the price of a family holiday abroad! So working from home is, in theory, a great idea. It's probably the place where you feel most relaxed – no dress code and you can even wear your slippers under the desk! Yet whether you’ll get as much work done is another question – what you have to take into consideration is the fact that your home will probably include noisy children, doorbell interruptions and the distractions of home comforts.
Remember - if you need somewhere to put your new office, then we can help with garageconversionquoter.co.uk and loftquoter.co.uk - instant online quotes.
If you are thinking about working from home, you need to look at your environment . Here are five top tips to create your own home office:
1) Adapt or extend?
Whether you’re starting up a new business, can’t afford to keep up the running costs of your current commercial premises or simply don’t want to do the long commute to work anymore, then working from home can save you a significant amount of money and ease the burden of debt. Significant savings are going to be made by paying to rent/own, maintain and heat just one building instead of two and with the ever-increasing price of petrol, now’s the time to make the move to a home office.
You have to make the decision as to whether to adapt an existing space, such as a spare room, or add extra space to your house with an extension based on your needs, property and available funds. Before you start planning your new office, take into consideration what features will provide you with the most beneficial working space.
For example, if you’re simply after a quiet secluded workplace then consider using a spare room or convert your basement/loft as these will provide plenty of space without the cost and inconvenience of an extension that could drag on for months.
However, if clients/customers will be visiting the premises on a regular basis then taking them through your house to the basement will not create the best first impression! Consider extending the ground floor of your house, but include a completely separate entrance that will take them straight into your office.
If you need somewhere to put your new office, then we can help with garageconversionquoter.co.uk and loftquoter.co.uk - instant online quotes.
2) Don’t ignore the paperwork
Recently, TSB Insurance warned the growing number of home-workers that they need to ensure they have the correct home insurance in place.
Remember to adapt your existing insurance to protect yourself from accidents in and around the home while in work time, including potential damage to your equipment or loss of data, otherwise a relatively small accident could put your business under threat.
3) How to get the most from the space available
Moving into your own home office is an effective way of saving money and boosting your business’ profits, so don’t be tempted to splash the savings on expensive furniture and designer paintings.
However be sure not to scrimp on the important features of an office. For example, make sure you have enough electrical outlets, suitable lighting and ample storage or filing. Getting the small things right from the start can make your days at work stress-free rather than full of hassle.
To maximise a good-sized office, consider setting your desks up in a U-shape so that you are able to reach all three surfaces without having to walk across the room. If you have a smaller office, buy a little table just big enough for your computer system and then place two more tables either side at an angle, so that it resembles a V-shape. This again enables you to reach all three surfaces without taking up the entire floor space.
Creating a barrier between your office and your home life is the key to a successful move. Don’t be tempted to install a TV or fridge in the same room as it may create the temptation that could inevitably reduce productivity levels – and increase your waist size!
Remember not to live in your office. Make it feel homely by adding colourful plants and photos of your family but don’t be tempted to work overtime just because it is down the hallway.
4) Kitting out a Home Office
Keeping your business facilities separate from your home and family is a very good idea. Young children who use the same computer as you during the evening could easily put it out of action simply by spilling a drink over the key board.
So ensure you install a ‘work-only’ computer, including business only phone line and broadband, into your office. Not only will this reduce the likelihood of damage, it will also make it possible for you to claim back the running costs as a business expense for tax purposes.
Working from home doesn’t guarantee a peaceful retreat away from noisy co-workers or machinery, especially if you also work at the weekends. However, you can take effective steps to reduce the amount of noise that makes its way through to the office.
Sound proofing the room is going to be the most effective way to reduce noise however it will also be one of the most expensive. Experts suggest that to reduce noise at least 25 per cent of a room should have a soft surface, including carpeting and upholstered furniture, as these will absorb noise. Door and window frames can also be sealed to reduce rattling and outside noise when closed.
If you’re going to spend money on anything make sure it’s spent on a quality desk chair and suitable lighting, as they can make a long day in the office a lot more comfortable. Be sure to buy a chair that enables you to sit at eye-level with the computer and fully supports your posture.
5) Must have products
Large rubbish bins – you’ll be surprised how much paper and packaging you get through in just one week and overflowing rubbish is neither tidy nor professional. Most residential properties only have one collection each week, which alternates between recyclables and non-recyclables, so it makes sense to separate your office waste.
A magnetic board/pinboard – if you lose a number on a little scrap of paper there’ll be no colleagues there to back you up!
A landing spot for incoming mail – without a dedicated receptionist or PA important documents, and even cheques, could easily get swept up with everything else.
Creating a home office doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive and the savings made can make a huge difference to your overall quality of life. Flexible working hours are an option for parents with children under the age of six so consider speaking to your boss about spending more time working from home.
If you’re going to take the plunge and build an office extension then consider designing it in such a way that it can be utilised as a bedroom or dining room in order to add considerable value to the property if/when you come to sell.
Remember - if you need somewhere to put your new office, then we can help with garageconversionquoter.co.uk and loftquoter.co.uk - instant online quotes.
*Taken from our last monthly newsletter to over 250,000 home owners. To receive our free newsletter, click here. You can unsubscribe at any time.
May 15th saw this year’s first National Work from Home Day. Now nearly 3.5 million people work from home in the UK. But still twenty-five million people in the UK currently commute to and from a fixed place of work, according to the RAC Foundation, of which 18 million people go by car – the rest by other means. If we jump ahead 17 years, reports suggest that by 2025, congestion will waste around £22 billion worth of time in England alone.
Working from home saves time, energy and money, not to mention reducing carbon emissions and pollution – the travel cost savings made in just six months could mount up to the price of a family holiday abroad! So working from home is, in theory, a great idea. It's probably the place where you feel most relaxed – no dress code and you can even wear your slippers under the desk! Yet whether you’ll get as much work done is another question – what you have to take into consideration is the fact that your home will probably include noisy children, doorbell interruptions and the distractions of home comforts.
Remember - if you need somewhere to put your new office, then we can help with garageconversionquoter.co.uk and loftquoter.co.uk - instant online quotes.
If you are thinking about working from home, you need to look at your environment . Here are five top tips to create your own home office:
1) Adapt or extend?
Whether you’re starting up a new business, can’t afford to keep up the running costs of your current commercial premises or simply don’t want to do the long commute to work anymore, then working from home can save you a significant amount of money and ease the burden of debt. Significant savings are going to be made by paying to rent/own, maintain and heat just one building instead of two and with the ever-increasing price of petrol, now’s the time to make the move to a home office.
You have to make the decision as to whether to adapt an existing space, such as a spare room, or add extra space to your house with an extension based on your needs, property and available funds. Before you start planning your new office, take into consideration what features will provide you with the most beneficial working space.
For example, if you’re simply after a quiet secluded workplace then consider using a spare room or convert your basement/loft as these will provide plenty of space without the cost and inconvenience of an extension that could drag on for months.
However, if clients/customers will be visiting the premises on a regular basis then taking them through your house to the basement will not create the best first impression! Consider extending the ground floor of your house, but include a completely separate entrance that will take them straight into your office.
If you need somewhere to put your new office, then we can help with garageconversionquoter.co.uk and loftquoter.co.uk - instant online quotes.
2) Don’t ignore the paperwork
Recently, TSB Insurance warned the growing number of home-workers that they need to ensure they have the correct home insurance in place.
Remember to adapt your existing insurance to protect yourself from accidents in and around the home while in work time, including potential damage to your equipment or loss of data, otherwise a relatively small accident could put your business under threat.
3) How to get the most from the space available
Moving into your own home office is an effective way of saving money and boosting your business’ profits, so don’t be tempted to splash the savings on expensive furniture and designer paintings.
However be sure not to scrimp on the important features of an office. For example, make sure you have enough electrical outlets, suitable lighting and ample storage or filing. Getting the small things right from the start can make your days at work stress-free rather than full of hassle.
To maximise a good-sized office, consider setting your desks up in a U-shape so that you are able to reach all three surfaces without having to walk across the room. If you have a smaller office, buy a little table just big enough for your computer system and then place two more tables either side at an angle, so that it resembles a V-shape. This again enables you to reach all three surfaces without taking up the entire floor space.
Creating a barrier between your office and your home life is the key to a successful move. Don’t be tempted to install a TV or fridge in the same room as it may create the temptation that could inevitably reduce productivity levels – and increase your waist size!
Remember not to live in your office. Make it feel homely by adding colourful plants and photos of your family but don’t be tempted to work overtime just because it is down the hallway.
4) Kitting out a Home Office
Keeping your business facilities separate from your home and family is a very good idea. Young children who use the same computer as you during the evening could easily put it out of action simply by spilling a drink over the key board.
So ensure you install a ‘work-only’ computer, including business only phone line and broadband, into your office. Not only will this reduce the likelihood of damage, it will also make it possible for you to claim back the running costs as a business expense for tax purposes.
Working from home doesn’t guarantee a peaceful retreat away from noisy co-workers or machinery, especially if you also work at the weekends. However, you can take effective steps to reduce the amount of noise that makes its way through to the office.
Sound proofing the room is going to be the most effective way to reduce noise however it will also be one of the most expensive. Experts suggest that to reduce noise at least 25 per cent of a room should have a soft surface, including carpeting and upholstered furniture, as these will absorb noise. Door and window frames can also be sealed to reduce rattling and outside noise when closed.
If you’re going to spend money on anything make sure it’s spent on a quality desk chair and suitable lighting, as they can make a long day in the office a lot more comfortable. Be sure to buy a chair that enables you to sit at eye-level with the computer and fully supports your posture.
5) Must have products
Large rubbish bins – you’ll be surprised how much paper and packaging you get through in just one week and overflowing rubbish is neither tidy nor professional. Most residential properties only have one collection each week, which alternates between recyclables and non-recyclables, so it makes sense to separate your office waste.
A magnetic board/pinboard – if you lose a number on a little scrap of paper there’ll be no colleagues there to back you up!
A landing spot for incoming mail – without a dedicated receptionist or PA important documents, and even cheques, could easily get swept up with everything else.
Creating a home office doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive and the savings made can make a huge difference to your overall quality of life. Flexible working hours are an option for parents with children under the age of six so consider speaking to your boss about spending more time working from home.
If you’re going to take the plunge and build an office extension then consider designing it in such a way that it can be utilised as a bedroom or dining room in order to add considerable value to the property if/when you come to sell.
Remember - if you need somewhere to put your new office, then we can help with garageconversionquoter.co.uk and loftquoter.co.uk - instant online quotes.
*Taken from our last monthly newsletter to over 250,000 home owners. To receive our free newsletter, click here. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Building a Wet Room
Timeline - Building a Wet Room.If you are thinking of modifying your second bathroom or en-suite and are looking for something to give a real wow-factor, then a wet room could be the answer. They can instantly transform a small space, where a conventional bathroom suite would be impossible, into a stylish and functional shower room. Increasingly, owners of larger houses are also turning their spare rooms into wet rooms, creating huge spa-style sanctuaries with luxury massage jets and steam room capabilities.
Remember - you can get an instant online bathroom quote at bathroomquoter.co.uk. If you need somewhere to put your new bathroom, then we can help with garageconversionquoter.co.uk and loftquoter.co.uk - instant online quotes.
While its not yet worth replacing your main family bathroom with a wet room – doing so could significantly decrease the value of your home – estate agents are reporting that houses with an additional wet room or wet room en-suite, are selling at a premium of up to £10,000. So go on – treat yourself! Here are the five essential stages to making your wet room a success:
Stage One – Preparing the floor
The most crucial aspect of building a new wet room is drainage. It is essential that the room can drain properly and is completely watertight. Always hire a professional for this stage of the process and never skimp on costs – if the room and floor are not completely waterproof, it could cause extensive damage which will prove costly in the future.
The floor of your new wet room must slope slightly to channel the water down into a drainage system, which will be positioned underneath the original floor. If your house has traditional wooden floorboards – as many houses do – the drainage system is actually quite simple. The contractor will cut a hole into the joists and sink a shower-tray into the floor. The new floor of the room will then be raised fractionally to sit flush with the top of the tray and the door threshold will typically be raised by around 5mm in case the room ever fills with water – if a towel blocks the drainage grate for example!
Once the new floor is in place, it is covered with a waterproof gel to create a watertight membrane which seals the floor before the tiles are laid over the top. The tiles must be laid using totally waterproof adhesive and grout. This stage of completely waterproofing the room is called ‘tanking’ and is the most important stage of the whole project.
While the floor is up, you may also want to consider installing underfloor heating, as the wet room will need to be tiled all over, meaning that when the tiles are cold in the morning, it will really penetrate the whole room!
Stage Two – Choose a shower
Surely the main feature of any wet room has to be the shower? The room will lose all of its magic if the shower you choose is more of a trickle than a jet. A power shower is the only option in a wet room and most people opt for one with a large shower head – after all, a luxurious shower is the reason most people build wet rooms at all! Rainfall showers are the most luxurious on the market and can be big enough to shower two people at once. Alternatively, you could go for multi-jet body sprays, which have jets all the ways down the wall to produce a massaging effect – the ultimate in luxury showering! What better way to unwind after a hard day at work?
However before you choose a powerful shower, make sure you have enough water pressure and that your boiler will be able to provide enough hot water. If not, you may have to install a new pressure pump and boiler system.
Stage Three – Fixtures and fittings
After the all-important shower, you should consider which other fixtures you are going to need in your wet room. It is worth remembering that, because of the nature of a wet room, it is probably not wise to have too many fixtures touching the floor. Obviously the floor will be wet for the majority of the time – although underfloor heating will dry it faster – and any fixtures fastened to the floor could become mildewed or collect mould around the joins. Most bathroom companies will offer fixtures specifically designed for wet rooms which are fully wall-mounted – but you must make sure that the wall is strong enough to support the weight of basin and toilet facilities.
When it comes to taps and shower fittings, chrome is the most contemporary material to use. It gives the most modern feel and most power- and multi-jet showers will already be manufactured in chrome as standard. An excellent addition to any wet room is a chrome heated towel rail – the whole room will be wet or affected by condensation as you shower and a heated rail will keep your towels warm and dry for when you have finished! It will also dry the towels quickly once you’ve left and help to dry out the whole room throughout the day.
Stage Four – Tiling
Once the room is fully prepared, the next stage is to tile it. Wet rooms need more tiles than your average bathroom, as the entire floor, walls and usually the ceiling are all tiled. The most stylish way to decorate your wet room is to use the same tile over all the surfaces, giving the room a spa feel.
Any tiles you pick for a wet room should really be non-porous. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are best and require the least maintenance once the room is complete. If you want to have the sleekest look, you could consider using sheet Corian which comes specifically cut to fit the walls and floor – which means no join or grout lines. Corian is ideal for wet rooms as it is extremely strong and completely watertight. It is available in over 100 colours and can be blended to include two or three colours inset into one wall. Corian is a more expensive option than tiles though and starts at around £300 per linear metre.
If you really want the look of marble or limestone in your wet room, it is possible to use these materials. However remember that they are porous and will need to be treated and resealed every two to three months to prevent water seeping through. Resealing these tiles could cost anything up to £80 a time.
Finally, all tiles which you use in your wet room will need to be non-slip – falling over onto an entirely tiled surface will be painful! Consider your tiles carefully, as they make up the entire decoration and account for most of the safety aspects of your wet room. They are also extremely costly to replace just because you change your mind!
Stage Five – The finishing touches
When accessorising your wet room, it is essential to make sure that all of the items you choose are suitable for a permanently wet area. Choose storage items and accessories for steam rooms, as these will already be pre-treated to protect them from water and condensation. There are many shelving units, towel stacks and chairs designed for steam rooms which would be perfect in a wet room.
If you are using paints on any part of the ceiling, or want to put up pictures or mosaics, check that the materials used are waterproof and suitable for use in areas with high condensation. Once your room is fully decorated and accessorised, you are ready to walk in, relax and enjoy your new wet room!
Remember - you can get an instant online bathroom quote at bathroomquoter.co.uk. If you need somewhere to put your new bathroom, then we can help with garageconversionquoter.co.uk and loftquoter.co.uk - instant online quotes.
*Taken from our last monthly newsletter to over 250,000 home owners. To receive our free newsletter, click here. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Dealing with Tradesmen - Know your rights!
Dealing with Tradesmen - know your rights...
We examine new regulations brought in to protect consumers from unfair, misleading or aggressive sales tactics and look at how you can protect yourself from rogue traders
Last month saw the biggest change to consumer protection law for the past 40 years. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs) came into effect on 28 May 2008 and are intended to stop traders from using unfair commercial practices towards consumers.
The regulations ban 31 specified unfair trade practices, as well as making it illegal to mislead customers or use aggressive sales tactics that may have a negative effect on a customer's decision.
There are numerous guides available on the internet explaining what the regulations mean for businesses, but here we look at the sort of practices you should be aware of and what you should do if you think you've been treated unfairly.
What do the new regulations cover?
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs) apply to all business-to-consumer transactions, and cover all sectors, from supermarkets and travel agents to plumbers and builders. They also cover business-to-business transactions that are closely linked with consumers, for example, a builders' merchant supplying materials to a builder. The CPRs cover the entire transaction process, including all conduct before, during and after a contract is made.
The CPRs are intended to protect customers as much as possible, so are very comprehensive. Firstly, the regulations start with a general ban on conduct that is below the standard a customer can reasonably expect. Secondly, the regulations ban all misleading practices, like false or deceptive messages, or leaving out important information. Thirdly, businesses are not allowed to use aggressive sales techniques that use harassment, coercion or undue influence.
The regulations outline in detail 31 specific practices that are strictly forbidden and we look at these below to help you, as a buyer, 'beware'.
Check Endorsements
The first section of prohibited practices relates to falsely claiming accreditation. When hiring tradesmen it is always a good idea to ask them whether they abide by a specific code of conduct or hold any accreditations, such as Corgi Registered status. However, in the same way that you could claim on your CV that you speak nine languages and hold a first class honours degree from the University of Cambridge when this isn't in fact the case, it is easy for traders to make grand claims that aren't actually true. The new regulations forbid such behaviour.
Specifically, a trader is prohibited from falsely claiming to abide by a code of conduct, or stating that their code of conduct had been approved by an official body when in fact it has not. Traders would also be breaking the regulations if they claim to be TrustMark registered or say that their product or service has been endorsed or approved by an official body, without having obtained the necessary approval. This means that, for example, if the man you've hired to transform your garden claims to be a Chartered Landscape Architect and it turns out he's not, he would be breaching the regulations and should be reported to an appropriate body, such as the Office of Fair Trading.
Luckily, these days it's easy to check up on a trader's claims. At www.trustmark.org.uk you can not only search for approved traders in your area, but you can also search for a specific trader. Similarly, many professional bodies like the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers hold searchable member directories on their websites, making it easy to find an approved trader in your area.
Accuracy of Information
The second section of the CPRs refers to the validity of product information, including the price. Firstly, if there are limitations on a product or service that a trader is offering, such as a specified timeframe or a limited number, this must be stated by the trader upfront. This means that if you spot an ad in the paper for £1,000 off a new conservatory, sign up to have the work done and then the company tells you that the special offer has ended, if the limited time period was not stated in the advert, the company will have broken the CPRs, and you have grounds on which to sue them. On the other hand, traders are banned from stating a product or service is only available for a certain period, but then continuing to offer the product or service after the time period has ended.
Traders are also banned from offering a product at a certain price and then either refusing to show the item to customers, refusing to take orders for the product or showing them a faulty version of the item in order to encourage them to purchase an alternative, more expensive item.
Also within this section of the CPRs, traders are forbidden from using scare tactics to make customers think their personal security will be at risk without purchasing a certain product or service. The regulations also ban traders from making false claims that a product will have health benefits. Finally in this section, businesses must not put customers off claiming on an insurance policy by requiring them to fill in excessive and unnecessary paperwork or by ignoring correspondence from the customer, forcing the customer to expend unnecessary effort.
False Advertising
The new regulations also cover promotional activities. The next time you're flicking through a magazine, watch out for pages bearing the small print “Promotional Material” or “This is an Advertisement”. These adverts are known as advertorials and are designed in such a way that you might mistake them for unbiased, factual articles, when in fact they have been paid for and written by the company that they are about. Although this approach is covered in the CPRs, the regulations do not go so far as to ban this practice, and instead simply state that companies must make it clear that the piece is an advert, so keep an eye out for this.
Another trick to watch out for is when a company launches a product that is similar to a product made by a particular, well-established manufacturer and then promotes it in such a way as to mislead you into thinking it is made by the more popular company. This practice is banned by the CPRs.
In addition, traders are prohibited from deceiving customers by lying about market conditions, giving the impression they have entered into a contract when they haven't, or falsely creating the impression that they are not acting for purposes related to their business, most commonly by pretending to be a consumer. This means that if you are planning on getting your house rewired and you ask your potential electrician for testimonials from previous customers, then someone else in the company pretends to be a past customer, this would break the CPRs. The best way to avoid this is by asking friends and family to recommend reliable traders.
Can't say no? Don't be 'guilt tripped'
The CPRs don't just apply to the way a product or service is marketed; they cover conduct during the sale, as well as any aftersales service. For those of you who struggle to say no to salesmen, the new regulations ban traders from both creating the impression that you cannot leave their premises without making a purchase, and from staying on your property with the intention of forcing a sale. This means that if a double-glazing salesman comes to your door and you tell him you're not interested, but then he knocks on your door again, this would breach the regulations, and should be reported to an appropriate body, such as the Trading Standards Institute. Similarly, traders must not pester a customer by telephone, fax, email, or any form of remote media.
Companies are also forbidden from forcing a sale by 'guilt-tripping' consumers, for example, by insinuating or stating that if the consumer does not buy the service or product on offer, the tradesman could lose his job. They must also not force a sale by giving a customer something they didn't ask for and then demanding payment. For example, if you went to work one day and came home to find someone had re-laid your driveway without you having asked them to do so, the perpetrators would be breaking the new rules, and would have no grounds on which to demand payment from you.
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations have been introduced to tell businesses how they should be treating their customers but as you can see, it is a good idea to have some understanding of the rules because they are there to protect you too!
*Taken from our last monthly newsletter to over 250,000 home owners. To receive our free newsletter, click here. You can unsubscribe at any time.
We examine new regulations brought in to protect consumers from unfair, misleading or aggressive sales tactics and look at how you can protect yourself from rogue traders
Last month saw the biggest change to consumer protection law for the past 40 years. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs) came into effect on 28 May 2008 and are intended to stop traders from using unfair commercial practices towards consumers.
The regulations ban 31 specified unfair trade practices, as well as making it illegal to mislead customers or use aggressive sales tactics that may have a negative effect on a customer's decision.
There are numerous guides available on the internet explaining what the regulations mean for businesses, but here we look at the sort of practices you should be aware of and what you should do if you think you've been treated unfairly.
What do the new regulations cover?
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs) apply to all business-to-consumer transactions, and cover all sectors, from supermarkets and travel agents to plumbers and builders. They also cover business-to-business transactions that are closely linked with consumers, for example, a builders' merchant supplying materials to a builder. The CPRs cover the entire transaction process, including all conduct before, during and after a contract is made.
The CPRs are intended to protect customers as much as possible, so are very comprehensive. Firstly, the regulations start with a general ban on conduct that is below the standard a customer can reasonably expect. Secondly, the regulations ban all misleading practices, like false or deceptive messages, or leaving out important information. Thirdly, businesses are not allowed to use aggressive sales techniques that use harassment, coercion or undue influence.
The regulations outline in detail 31 specific practices that are strictly forbidden and we look at these below to help you, as a buyer, 'beware'.
Check Endorsements
The first section of prohibited practices relates to falsely claiming accreditation. When hiring tradesmen it is always a good idea to ask them whether they abide by a specific code of conduct or hold any accreditations, such as Corgi Registered status. However, in the same way that you could claim on your CV that you speak nine languages and hold a first class honours degree from the University of Cambridge when this isn't in fact the case, it is easy for traders to make grand claims that aren't actually true. The new regulations forbid such behaviour.
Specifically, a trader is prohibited from falsely claiming to abide by a code of conduct, or stating that their code of conduct had been approved by an official body when in fact it has not. Traders would also be breaking the regulations if they claim to be TrustMark registered or say that their product or service has been endorsed or approved by an official body, without having obtained the necessary approval. This means that, for example, if the man you've hired to transform your garden claims to be a Chartered Landscape Architect and it turns out he's not, he would be breaching the regulations and should be reported to an appropriate body, such as the Office of Fair Trading.
Luckily, these days it's easy to check up on a trader's claims. At www.trustmark.org.uk you can not only search for approved traders in your area, but you can also search for a specific trader. Similarly, many professional bodies like the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers hold searchable member directories on their websites, making it easy to find an approved trader in your area.
Accuracy of Information
The second section of the CPRs refers to the validity of product information, including the price. Firstly, if there are limitations on a product or service that a trader is offering, such as a specified timeframe or a limited number, this must be stated by the trader upfront. This means that if you spot an ad in the paper for £1,000 off a new conservatory, sign up to have the work done and then the company tells you that the special offer has ended, if the limited time period was not stated in the advert, the company will have broken the CPRs, and you have grounds on which to sue them. On the other hand, traders are banned from stating a product or service is only available for a certain period, but then continuing to offer the product or service after the time period has ended.
Traders are also banned from offering a product at a certain price and then either refusing to show the item to customers, refusing to take orders for the product or showing them a faulty version of the item in order to encourage them to purchase an alternative, more expensive item.
Also within this section of the CPRs, traders are forbidden from using scare tactics to make customers think their personal security will be at risk without purchasing a certain product or service. The regulations also ban traders from making false claims that a product will have health benefits. Finally in this section, businesses must not put customers off claiming on an insurance policy by requiring them to fill in excessive and unnecessary paperwork or by ignoring correspondence from the customer, forcing the customer to expend unnecessary effort.
False Advertising
The new regulations also cover promotional activities. The next time you're flicking through a magazine, watch out for pages bearing the small print “Promotional Material” or “This is an Advertisement”. These adverts are known as advertorials and are designed in such a way that you might mistake them for unbiased, factual articles, when in fact they have been paid for and written by the company that they are about. Although this approach is covered in the CPRs, the regulations do not go so far as to ban this practice, and instead simply state that companies must make it clear that the piece is an advert, so keep an eye out for this.
Another trick to watch out for is when a company launches a product that is similar to a product made by a particular, well-established manufacturer and then promotes it in such a way as to mislead you into thinking it is made by the more popular company. This practice is banned by the CPRs.
In addition, traders are prohibited from deceiving customers by lying about market conditions, giving the impression they have entered into a contract when they haven't, or falsely creating the impression that they are not acting for purposes related to their business, most commonly by pretending to be a consumer. This means that if you are planning on getting your house rewired and you ask your potential electrician for testimonials from previous customers, then someone else in the company pretends to be a past customer, this would break the CPRs. The best way to avoid this is by asking friends and family to recommend reliable traders.
Can't say no? Don't be 'guilt tripped'
The CPRs don't just apply to the way a product or service is marketed; they cover conduct during the sale, as well as any aftersales service. For those of you who struggle to say no to salesmen, the new regulations ban traders from both creating the impression that you cannot leave their premises without making a purchase, and from staying on your property with the intention of forcing a sale. This means that if a double-glazing salesman comes to your door and you tell him you're not interested, but then he knocks on your door again, this would breach the regulations, and should be reported to an appropriate body, such as the Trading Standards Institute. Similarly, traders must not pester a customer by telephone, fax, email, or any form of remote media.
Companies are also forbidden from forcing a sale by 'guilt-tripping' consumers, for example, by insinuating or stating that if the consumer does not buy the service or product on offer, the tradesman could lose his job. They must also not force a sale by giving a customer something they didn't ask for and then demanding payment. For example, if you went to work one day and came home to find someone had re-laid your driveway without you having asked them to do so, the perpetrators would be breaking the new rules, and would have no grounds on which to demand payment from you.
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations have been introduced to tell businesses how they should be treating their customers but as you can see, it is a good idea to have some understanding of the rules because they are there to protect you too!
*Taken from our last monthly newsletter to over 250,000 home owners. To receive our free newsletter, click here. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Patio Awnings can make a great investment
After the downpours of last summer, this year is predicted to be a lot warmer, which makes patio awnings a great investment for the coming months – whether to shade you from the sun or keep you covered in the chilly evenings.Awnings are a great alternative to a sun house or gazebo as they are easy to install and can be folded away out of sight within seconds. This month's featured company is Appeal Awnings, awning manufacturers based in Bristol.
For an instant online garage door quote, visit: awningquoter.co.uk
Patio awnings provide that all-important extra space when you have friends and family over for parties and BBQs. At just a fraction of the cost of a conservatory, a large awning with built in lights enables the party to carry on late into the night and keep the after-party mess outside!
The English weather is anything but predictable and it’s always a hassle to move everything in doors when it gets a bit chilly. So be prepared for the inevitable cool evenings with an electric heater. They are much more eco-friendly than gas heaters and can easily be built-in so they won’t need storing away.
An awning can be made to suit any property, no matter how big or small, and is a perfect option if your outside space is limited as they are not a permanent fixture. They come in a range of colours and can be as neutral or as colourful as you want.
Opting for brightly coloured awnings can give houses a warm Mediterranean look. For gardens that have no shade from trees or hedging, awnings can provide the older generation with a cool spot to relax in a deck chair and watch the children play in the sunshine.
Remember - you can get an instant online awning quote, by visiting: awningquoter.co.uk
*Taken from our last monthly newsletter to over 250,000 home owners. To receive our free newsletter, click here. You can unsubscribe at any time.
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