Make Sure Your Building Project is the Smoothest Ever : Advertisement Feature

Get expert legal advice from Which? to help with your home improvements, renovation or building project.

To avoid problems, you should always have a written agreement between you and the trader. Often the trader will have their own terms and conditions however, if they don't, it is important to draw up a basic agreement before the job starts. At the very least, you should have a written description of the work that will be done, a set price, start and finish date, and an agreement from the trader that if extra work is necessary, they will let you know so that you can agree on revised terms.

Top Tips on home improvements from Which? Legal Service

Under the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, any home improvement work should:

• Be done using 'reasonable care and skill'. This doesn't mean perfection but the standard you could expect from a reasonably competent contractor.
• Materials used should be of 'of satisfactory quality' and 'fit for their purpose'. This includes any goods supplied, for example appliances for a new kitchen.
• Goods supplied must be 'as described'. For example, appliances ordered for a new kitchen should not just work properly, they must be the specific make and model ordered, and must have all the features promised.
• Be completed within a reasonable time, unless a specific time is agreed.

To find out what is ‘reasonable’, you can ask for guidance from a trade or professional association and other traders. If the work has not fitted the above, you may have a right to compensation. If work is not completed on time or in a reasonable time, you can write to the trader to make a ‘time of the essence’ contract, to set a specific date for work to be finished. You need to allow the trader an opportunity to make things right.

An annual membership of Which? Legal Service can help to make sure you have the legal know-how and back-up you need, to ensure your project runs smoothly.

Get all the legal advice you need – and more – for just £68

• Get a year’s unlimited expert phone advice from Which? lawyers – for help with a range of legal problems, from cowboy builders to faulty kitchens.
• Avoid getting ripped off, with help from a FREE copy of the Which? book Hiring Builders and Professionals (RRP £9.99).
• Download letter templates online, for the right way to complain to a builder about delays in completing a job and more.
• Find recommended builders and traders near you on our Which? Local website, available only to members.

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Offer valid 1 June – 30 July 2010. Lines are open Mon to Fri, 8.30am – 6pm.