KBSA - Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association

Ensure you use a reputable retailer when planning your home makeover

22 September 2011

Grand Build, Ask an Expert
Grand Designs Live, NEC Birmingham, 7th – 9th October 2011

If you are planning to invest in your home this year with a fabulous makeover, ensure you choose a reputable and reliable retailer through the KBSA which ensure excellence in design and service.

Many people are presently choosing to update their home rather than risk moving up the property ladder and the current economic climate means it is more important than ever to buy from a reputable retailer that provides the very best service and high quality products.

Around 300 independent retailers nationwide are KBSA members dedicated to upholding the association’s high standards of design, supply, installation and customer service throughout the interiors industry. All members are carefully vetted prior to admission and they must have been trading for at least two years in order to be considered for membership. The high standards and strict monitoring applied by the KBSA to its members means that they are able to offer exceptionally comprehensive protection, free of charge, for consumers, in case of the member retailer ceasing to trade.

All members offer full deposit protection, work in progress cover and a 6-year workmanship warranty.

The KBSA offers a free consumer guide that is packed with valuable help and advice about what to check, where to buy and how to make sure you are protected. 

“Many homeowners decide to improve their homes when the housing market is slow and they will find many cut price deals on the high street  but they should be wary of  making a decision based on price alone,” says KBSA sales and marketing director, Ruth Ward. “Time spent researching the market to find a responsible retailer that offers expertise and professionalism is a good investment.”

For details of KBSA members throughout the UK, visit the KBSA website at www.kbsa.org.uk or contact the KBSA on 01623 818808. To order a copy of The KBSA consumer guide to buying a Kitchen Bathroom or Bedroom call 01623 818808 or order on line.

SOME GUIDELINES FROM THE KBSA

  •  Visit a company that has a showroom so you can inspect the quality of the product and the standard of installation.
  • Choose a retailer with a track record of good installations and ask to speak to some past customer and even visit them in their homes if possible.
  • Be careful about paying in full in advance. You should not pay a deposit of more than 25% and it is likely that you will be required to make an interim payment, ask for a written payment schedule which includes the timings of any interim payment and final retention.
  • Make sure you have a written quotation that covers every aspect of the job, including fitting, flooring and any structural alterations you may have discussed.
  • Don’t sign anything unless you are prepared to honour your side of the contract. Some terms and conditions have expensive cancellation clauses. If in doubt contact the KBSA.

Enquiries: Downing Dunmore PR
Telephone: 01384 878777 Fax: 01384 872104 Email: info@ddpr.biz