Warranty · Detail

Dormer trade and warranty schemes

Trade schemes and warranty bodies exist to protect homeowners when things go wrong. Understanding how they work helps you choose a company you can trust.
5 min leestijd·Onafhankelijke informatie

Short answer

Trade and warranty schemes set standards for member companies and may offer insurance-backed guarantees. Always verify membership directly with the scheme, and read what is actually covered.

What schemes do

Schemes vary, but the good ones do three things: set entry standards, monitor member behaviour, and provide a route for homeowners if the company cannot or will not honour a warranty.

  • Standards — members must meet technical, financial and customer-service criteria.
  • Monitoring — complaints are tracked and can lead to expulsion.
  • Protection — insurance-backed guarantees pay out if the company fails.

Types of cover

Not all scheme membership is equal. Some only verify the company exists; others provide real financial protection.

  • Verification only — the company is listed and has insurance.
  • Insurance-backed guarantee — a separate insurer pays for covered defects if the installer disappears.
  • Dispute resolution — the scheme mediates between homeowner and company.

How to verify

Never take the company's word for it. Look up membership on the scheme's official website or call them.

  • Find the official scheme website.
  • Search for the company by name or registration number.
  • Check the membership expiry date.
  • Ask the scheme what protection applies to your contract.

The full checklist

Checklist

Scheme and warranty checks

  1. 01The company belongs to a recognised trade scheme.
  2. 02I have verified membership on the official website.
  3. 03The scheme membership is current.
  4. 04The warranty is insurance-backed or clearly backed by the scheme.
  5. 05I know what is covered and what is excluded.
  6. 06I know the claim procedure and time limits.
  7. 07The warranty is transferable to a new owner.

FAQ

FAQ

Veelgestelde vragen

01What is a trade warranty scheme for dormers?
A trade warranty scheme is run by a recognised industry body. Member companies must meet certain standards, and the scheme may provide an insurance-backed guarantee that pays out if the company fails.
02Should I only use a company that belongs to a trade scheme?
It is a strong indicator of quality, but not the only one. Check the scheme's rules, the company's membership status, and whether the warranty is insurance-backed.
03What do schemes like FMB or TrustMark offer?
They set entry standards, monitor complaints, and sometimes offer dispute resolution or insurance-backed warranties. The exact benefits vary by scheme and country.
04Can a company fake membership?
Yes. Always verify membership on the scheme's official website using the company's registered number or name.
Conclusie
A trade scheme is a filter, not a guarantee. Use it to narrow your shortlist, but still read the quote, check references, and verify the warranty details before signing.