Founding Member Since - June 2010

Consumers using Accredited Members of DGCOS have the advantage of the following benefits:

• A comprehensively vetted Installer. 

• Deposit Protection Insurance to safeguard any deposits you may pay (up to 25% of the contract price maximum cover £50,000).

• A Comprehensive Written Guarantee on the quality of workmanship. 

• An Insurance Backed Guarantee to protect the original guarantee in the event of the installer ceasing to trade.

• Free inspections of disputed installations when necessary during the mediation and/or arbitration process. 

• Free Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration Procedures to deal with any disputes that may arise between consumers and members.

• Access to the DGCOS Compensation Fund to honour any awards made by The Ombudsman.

Member Since - June 2010

In response to concerns about 'rogue traders' which are often highlighted in the media, a partnership of Local Authority Trading Standards Services have taken a ground-breaking step by putting together the Buy With Confidence Scheme. The scheme provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly. Every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.

Buy With Confidence is run through the cooperation of a number of Trading Standards Services. We consider that Trading Standards has the right expertise and motivation to offer a scheme which offers genuine benefits consumers and businesses. Accordingly, the Buy With Confidence scheme is administered by local authority Trading Standards Services directly, and is not outsourced.

Member Since - November 2009

Applicants for the Guild are required to submit confidential references from satisfied customers and one of the first questions asked of all referees is whether or not they would be prepared to recommend the applicant to a relative or close friend. The Guild's council of management include a review of the references when considering the application for membership as well as ensuring all other criteria are met. Only when they are satisfied that the applicant really does deserve to be called a master craftsmen is the application approved. This is about as close as you can get to receiving a recommendation from one of your neighbours or friends.

To further its aim of promoting high standards of work, The Guild of Master Craftsmen runs a Helpline to assist in finding skilled and reputable craftspeople. This is a free service that uses the Guild's Membership database to compile lists of Guild members selected by location and craft. Enquirers receive a tailored list of the local tradesmen & craftspeople with the skills and experience that they need.

Member Since - March 2010

Checkatrade is a free service that gives customers background information to help them make confident decisions on tradesmen. They offer a directory of trades and services who have been vetted to our high standards, for example by verifying their insurance, qualifications and professional memberships. Not only that, but they also monitor their work on an ongoing basis by collecting feedback directly from their customers.

Member Since - December 2008

FENSA works with thousands of double glazing contractors in England and Wales. In choosing a FENSA double glazing registered company the consumer is protected when purchasing double glazing for their home.

Why greater protection with a FENSA registered firm?

• Regular assessment of FENSA double glazing companies by an 'independent inspection body'
  
  
• 5 - 10 year insurance backed guarantee available to the homeowner on every installation
  
  
• FENSA Building Regulations certificate dispatched to the homeowner for every registered installation as proof of compliance
  
  
• Your property will be compliant with Building Regulations without the added cost and time of arranging assessment by Building Control

Member Since - November 2008

IWA give you peace of mind by providing deposit protection and guarantee insurance for up to 10 years on home improvement products and offer the following advantages:

• Vetted Installers 

• Deposit Protection up to 25% of the contract value

• Deposit Protection from point of sale

• Cover for a full 10 years

• Transferable cover when selling a property

• A customer and consumer helpline