This section provides answers to our most frequently asked questions - if you do not find what you are looking for here please email us with your enquiry
or telephone 0844 804 4575.

UKTC Members - to start using this benefit now use the log-in panel on the right hand menu to go to the Member's Manual. Use your login username and password which can be found on your welcome letter in your membership pack.

PERSONAL ANSWERING SERVICE 

How does it work?

When you are about to leave your phone unattended, simply use call divert (available from BT at very minimal cost) to redirect any incoming telephone calls to our answering service (using a number that we will provide).

When a call comes in, it is answered in your companys name.  For example Thank you for calling Bobs Decorating. How can we help you?

Lets say the caller will say they have seen your advert and need a quotation.  The answering service will say something like Im sorry, but there is no one here to deal with that at the moment. If I can take your details, someone will call you back.

The persons details are taken and then relayed to the member via a pager (supplied).

The potential customer is much more likely to leave a message because they have spoken to a real person at what they perceive to be your company.

What is the cost?

There are two levels:

Basic answering is 9.99 + VAT per month

Structured Answering is 12.99 + VAT per month, and allows the member to specify four questions (e.g. Name, Post code, telephone and mobile).

Both options allow the call to be answered in your companys name and both include a pager:

How do I apply for the service?

We will send you some simple forms that require your signature.  Full Terms and Conditions are supplied with these forms.  To request these forms with no obligation, please .

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INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEE 

GENERAL

What trades are covered?

Cladding, Conservatories, Double Glazing, Fitted Bathrooms, Fitted Bedrooms, Fitted Kitchens, Loft Conversions, Roofing, House Extensions & Underpinning.

How long will the IBG cover last?

Up to 10 years, but please check the guarantee offered by your contractor, as the IBG will cover the same terms and conditions.

What is covered?

The terms and conditions of your contractors guarantee are underwritten by the insurer. So, you will need to read the guarantee issued by the contractor to find out what is being guaranteed. Cover is for the FULL contract value on ALL contracts. The policy will pay the customers claims for the costs incurred in making good any defective workmanship and faulty materials in cases where the installer has failed financially and is not able to honour his own guarantee.

When would I be able to claim on an IBG?

On the cessation of trade of your contractor for any reason.  Indemnity is free of excess and claims are settled without a contribution from the customer.

My Contractor gives a guarantee, but not an IBG. Can I buy one from you?

Yes. In some instances this may be possible depending on the size of the contract, length of the guarantee and the nature of the work involved.  However, your contractor must be willing to co-operate with our administrators in terms of financial stability and standard of workmanship

My Contractor does not give a guarantee. Can I buy one from you?

No.  The IBG underwrites the contractors guarantee.

Who are the underwriters?

The IBG is underwritten by major insurers and the scheme is approved by Councils, Local Authorities and Housing Associations.


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CONTRACTORS Frequently Asked Questions

I would like to issue a guarantee.  Where do I start?
The contractors own written guarantee SUPPLIED or APPROVED by us at no cost.

I am tendering for a commercial contract and they are asking for a commercial guarantee.  Can you help?

Yes, please for an individual quotation?

How much do IBGs cost?

There are a variety of schemes and it will depend on what you want to guarantee and how many IBGs you are likely to issue.  Please for more information or an imformation pack. All premiums are subject to Insurance Premium Tax.

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COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

What sort of insurance can be arranged?

Buildings & Content  +  Plant, Stock & Tools  +  Contractors all risks
Employers & Public liability  +  Goods in transit  +  Household buildings Household contents  +  Motor trade /Road risk  +  Professional indemnity

As a member of UKTC, what sort of premiums can I expect to pay?

Please note, discounts are available subject to members supplying exactly the same information as that submitted to the holding insurers and existing policies are being quoted at the full insurance premium rate by the insurer concerned.

Please for more information

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BUILDING CONTRACTS

Why do I need a contract?

A written contract sets out the responsibilities of both parties to a particular transaction.  Should there be a dispute concerning the work, payment or some other related problem, then the contract may be relied upon as the basis for the transaction should the matter be referred to court.  The existence of a contract means that both parties know exactly where they stand, and this may prevent problems arising in the first place.

What should be included in the contract?

A contract should set out exactly what is to be included in the transaction; what the cost will be; when payment should be made (including stage payments if any); when the work should start; and when the work should finish.

Why should I pay for a JCT contract when there is a free one on this site?

Apart from containing the necessary details of the work, a JCT contract sets out the steps that will be adhered to in the event of a dispute arising.  It makes provision for mediation and arbitration.  In the event that the dispute can not be settled by mediation, then an independent arbitrator will be appointed by JCT at no cost to either the builder or the employer.  Both parties have agreed in the contract to adhere to the arbitrators decision.  The free contract does not have this facility.

What protection does choosing a UKTC member give me?

By using the Confederation, you are selecting a business that has been accepted into membership following a vetting procedure under which includes the tradesman agreeing to work to our Code of Practice; the taking and checking of references from customers of the tradesman; and confirmation that the tradesman has the appropriate insurance cover.

What other things should I consider when employing a tradesman?

Are they a member of a recognised trade body?
Do they have current public liability insurance?
Can they offer you an insurance-backed guarantee?
Can they show you examples of their work?
Or better still, can you visit a previous contract to inspect the standard of their work?

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PARCEL DELIVERY

My parcels are heavier and of a different shape to the ones outlined in the Member Guide. Can you still help?

Yes. Please provide full details of the parcels you wish to send, and our courier will provide you with a preferential quotation.  for more information on Parcel Delivery.

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Quality Standard ISO 9000 & Environmental Standard ISO 14001

How will ISO accreditation benefit my company? When putting contracts out to tender, many large commercial organisation and government bodies now stipulate ISO accreditation. Therefore, if your company wants to move into that market sector, an ISO certificate may be essential.

Why should I use the UKTC to deliver my ISO accreditation? Our consultants simultaneously combine all of the required manuals with the ISO assessment thereby saving you time and reducing the time taken to undertake the audit. For example, ISO 9000 may be achieved in 30 days.



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