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