Roger Russell

Why is the quality mark scheme being introduced?

The quality mark scheme is an initiative developed by the construction industry, consumer interests, and central and local government to launch a national register of builders who meet a set of minimum quality and customer service in the domestic repair, maintenance and improvement sector.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT), the Government body responsible for identifying and putting right trading practices which are against consumer interests, publishes statistics that show that 100,000 complaints a year are made about builders and specialist allied trades. This figure is increasing at more than 5% a year. Typically consumers complain about shoddy workmanship, over-charging and outright dishonesty. This damages the reputation of the majority in the industry who do a good job and leave behind satisfied customers. At present, consumers have no real means of telling good builders apart from the rest unless they have the recommendation of a friend or neighbour. Householders can of course use directories such as Yellow Pages and Thompsons, or local newspapers, to find builders. But these don't say what standard of service is on offer, or if the firm is honest. Nor can the public be expected to pick their way through the hundred or so trade association logos often displayed by builders, especially as, with some honourable exceptions, many offer little or no guarantee of quality.

Quality Mark Firms must provide an insurance-backed warranty, covering insolvency or poor workmanship, as part of the quote for a job. The quality mark sets down the minimum standards for the warranty. It is expected that the cost of the cover will normally be presented as part of a firm's overheads rather than as a separate price. This will avoid the difficulty with many existing warranty schemes where the cost of insurance is itemised on the quote and many consumers simply opt out of the cover. Quality mark firms must also meet statutory requirements for employers' liability insurance and hold a current public liability insurance policy.

Quality Mark Builders meet the standards of the quality mark scheme. The term 'builder' includes general builders as well as other specialist trades working on home repair, maintenance and improvement, including plumbers, electricians, decorators etc.

Quality Mark Standards: the set of standards that a builder must meet to receive the quality mark includes;

• Technical capability,tested through references and, or technical inspection.
• Skills and qualifications, to NVQ, City and Guilds,Indentured Apprenticeship or equivalent levels.
• Financial stability, tested through audited accounts or qualified accountant's statement.
• An insurance-backed warranty and compliance with a recognised code of practice.

Published 8 March 2000. Updated 30 October 2000. www.detr.gov.uk

Insurance provided through Plumbsure gives a 6 year guarantee of workmanship and site materials loss, damage and theft over £50.00 up to £5,000.00.

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For more information please call
+44(0)1223 843230
or email R.J.H.C@tesco.net