Household and Appliance Repairs

What are my rights when I employ a trader to do work for me?

Answer to trader rights question

I discovered a leaking pipe and had to call a plumber. He was here for less than an hour but the bill was for £200. I felt this was excessive - do I have to pay it?

Answer to excessive bill question

I need some work done on my house. What should I bear in mind to reduce the chances of getting into a dispute over the work?

Answer to dispute question

I recently had an extension built. The plastering was of a very poor standard. The builder said the work was done by a subcontractor and so he is not responsible. Is this true?

Answer to subcontractor question

I have entered into a contract for the installation of double glazing but we did not agree on a starting date. There has been quite a delay and the job has still not been started. How long should I wait for the company to start the job?

Answer to double glazing question

I took the day off work for the engineer to come and repair my washing machine. He failed to show up. Can I claim compensation for my wasted time?

Answer to washing machine repair question

I have entered into a contract for double glazing following a visit from a representative who called at my house. Do I have any ‘cooling off‘ period in which to cancel the contract?

Answer to 'cooling-off'period question

Recently my computer broke down. The repairer said it was the hard disk drive and fitted a new one, but a couple of weeks later the fault reappeared. I spoke to the manager who said I would have to pay for the second repair. Is this right?

Answer to computer repair question

My 5 year old VCR has started damaging my video tapes so I took it to a local repairer, and asked if they thought it was worth repairing. I was told they would charge £25 for a quotation for examining the VCR. Can they do this?

Answer to VCR repair question

Six months ago my kitchen was totally refitted including new appliances. I've just discovered the oven is not heating up properly. I rang the manufacturer, and they said they couldn't send someone out for 6 weeks. Is there anything else I can do?

Answer to fitted kitchen question

My microwave needed repairing 2 months ago, and I paid an engineer to fix it. It has gone wrong again, and the engineer says I will have to pay for another repair. Surely he is liable?

Answer to microwave repair question

The Frequently Asked Questions were developed by the Crossing the Boundaries partnership (CtB) of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

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