2008
If you're planning a trip to the kitchen showroom over the bank holiday weekend, taking advice from Consumer Direct could help you avoid some of the fitted kitchen pitfalls.
Last year, the government advice service received more than 11,000 complaints about fitted kitchens. Many of these concerned defective units, substandard work, and delivery and fitting delays.
Michele Shambrook, Operations Manager from Consumer Direct said: 'Buying a fitted kitchen can be an incredibly expensive investment so it pays to shop around and do your homework. And if things go wrong, you need to take prompt action to help you resolve the problem more quickly.'
Consumer Direct has put together a list of tips:
1. Try to make it a term of the contract that work will be completed by a fixed date.
2. Before you sign a contract, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
3. Study the plans to check that you have exactly what you asked for as this will form part of your contract.
4. If you are buying on credit shop around for deals - you are not obliged to accept the shops' own credit.
5. Consider paying by credit (rather than a debit) card as this will give you extra protection if things go wrong.
6. If you experience a delay, complain in writing as soon as you can making time of the essence.
7. If the work is shoddy, gather together everything you can by way of evidence - this could include photos or video footage. Try to keep in mind that you may have to go to court to obtain redress so ask yourself what evidence you would need to put in front of a judge.
More information and advice on consumer issues is available from Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or by visiting the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
-ends-
