Finding a reliable installer you can trust is essential for your home projects, giving you the confidence that you’ll get a good outcome. There are a few things you can do to take control of your project from the outset. Here’s a few tips for before, during and after your home project.
Before your project
- We recommend that you conduct an independent retrofit assessment to establish whether any works related to energy-efficiency you may be planning are suitable for your property and goals.
- Gather at least 3 quotes from different installers before deciding on your installer, this ensures you’re being offered a fair price. But don’t forget to give them all the same brief to make them comparable!
- Check other customer reviews about the installers to get a picture of how they work. Also, asking friends and family for any recommendations can often get you some great options for reliable installers.
- Make sure you’ve got a written contract with all the correct details of the project on, including a waste management process for after the work is done.
During your project
- Keep an open line of communication with your installer. You can check timescales and costs as the project progresses.
- Ensure your site is a friendly place to work! An offer of a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit goes a long way. Be a friendly and approachable client so the work can go as smoothly as possible.
- Document any changes to the project carefully. Ask your installer for updated cost projections, timelines and guarantees/warranties.
After your project
- Go on a walk around the site with your installer, checking for issues or fixes that they should sort before leaving. Check electrical appliances and any damage elsewhere. Don’t feel pressure to sign off the work immediately.
- Ensure you get a ‘handover’ chat from the installer who can explain how to use any new technology or systems you’ve got. And don’t forget the user manuals!
- Leave feedback online about the installer (via forums like Trustpilot or Checkatrade) to help other customers make informed decisions.
- Register guarantees and warranties for new equipment and file all documents carefully.
Accreditations to ask your installer about:
Trustmark is a great badge for any installer to have and covers a wide range of specialties for most tradespeople.
PAS 2030/PAS 2035 accreditations cover installers for energy efficiency installations – widely known as ‘industry-standard’.
MCS certification is essential for tradespeople installing renewable energy solutions, like solar panels.
Summary
The best outcomes are all in the preparation. Being careful and organised will help reduce stress in a time which can be very disruptive, also helping to protect your investment for the years to come.
Need more support? Find home retrofit services in your local area.
