Is it worth it?

News this week of yet another installer who has been fined due to misleading actions.

BFRC technical director Gary Morgan was an expert witness in the prosecution of Direct Choice Home Improvements Ltd, Swansea, by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Trading Standards.  The charges included describing windows as ‘A+’ energy efficiency rated that were not.  The company admitted this offence, and a number of others, and was fined £3,500 plus costs and ordered to pay £1,900 in compensation to the homeowner.

The charges laid before Glamorgan Valleys Magistrates’ Court included:  “being a trader, engaged in an unfair commercial practice, namely a misleading action by describing windows as ‘A+’ under the provisions regulation 5 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 contrary to regulation 9 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.”  Six further charges were also brought including “displaying a trust mark or equivalent, specifically BBA, without having the necessary authorisation” and obstruction.

The homeowner was mis-sold ‘A+’ by the sales representative of the installation company.  She became suspicious after the installation was completed because of the draughts that were coming through the windows.

Enjoy this edition of Fenestra Build – comments welcome as always.

Christina Shaw

Owner & Publisher