Fair Trading Practices for the Renovation Industry

CCCS has published a Guide on Fair Trading Practices for the Renovation Industry, which aims to improve business practices in the industry and help the suppliers of interior design or renovation services steer clear of unfair practices.

The term “Contractor” in this Guide includes interior designers and renovation contractors. The Guide is intended to raise Contractors’ awareness of good practices that they should adopt to enable consumers to make well-informed decisions as well as conduct which may constitute unfair practices under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003.

Contractors should assess their ability to undertake and complete the works in a timely manner before committing to the consumer. A mutually agreed work schedule with clear deadlines, including the projected start date and completion date, should be included in the renovation contract. There should be agreement on how work delays or contingencies should be managed.

Contractors should ensure that the prices quoted to consumers are transparent, accurate, clear and itemised. Mandatory charges for the works should be stated in the quotation/ contract at the onset. If the charges cannot be calculated in advance, Contractors should disclose the existence of such charges and provide estimates of such charges to the consumer before the contract is entered into.

Contractors should ensure that claims made on goods and services and claims in relation to their business are clear and accurate. A reasonably detailed breakdown and description of the goods and services to be supplied for the works involved should be stated clearly in the renovation contract.

Contractors should inform consumers on their rights and remedies, such as exchanges, repairs and refunds, and have such rights and remedies stated clearly and accurately in the contract. Agreed warranties should also be honoured.

Contractors should adhere to the renovation contract once it has been signed and supply goods and services that the consumer has consented to. Revisions to the contract or work order variations should be made only with the consumer’s express agreement.