Protecting yourself before you engage a contractor or make a big purchase 

Choosing the right builder or tradesman is a very important decision, especially if you are handing over thousands of pounds, often before work has commenced. Nobody likes to think that contracts for renovations, building works or home improvements will end up in a legal dispute, but sometimes things do go wrong.

Equally important, when making a big purchase or entering into a contract for services such as venue hire for a wedding or event, how do you know you will be protected if issues arise?  Sometimes high-value goods or services will not match their description or meet expectations.  Sometimes finance terms for high-value items such as cars may have confusing terms and conditions.  Warranties often come at an additional price, but these may vary in value.

Know the law

It is always preferable to set out clearly the terms of the agreement and exactly who bears what costs in writing, so there can be no misunderstandings.  There are a number of additional steps you can take to protect yourself before entering an agreement, including the extra protection you may get if paying by credit card.  

How we can help

If you are entering a contract with a tradesman or builder, a retainer for professional services such as with a solicitor, or making a high-value purchase, we can help you understand the potential pitfalls and how to avoid these. Our friendly legal experts can give you the information you need to make an informed decision in a one-to-one conversation.  They’ll talk you through how you can ensure that your position is protected as much as possible before you enter the agreement so if things do go wrong, you will be best placed to resolve any issues quickly and effectively. We will:

• listen to the details of the contract you are proposing to agree 
• explain what the likely pitfalls might be
• talk you through your options to ensure you are as best protected as you can be in the event that things do go wrong