Specialist Firms

What Do They Offer?

These firms deal exclusively with one aspect of home improvement - such as conservatories, kitchens, bathrooms, loft conversions, and replacement windows. They offer to handle everything from the design to the installation or construction, usually in a temptingly short period - for example, 'a new kitchen in 4 days'.

Avoiding Possible Pitfalls

• It's true that practice makes perfect, and specialist firms are likely to have encountered, and solved, most problems related to their particular field. But be aware that they might work to a fixed formula rather than giving individual consideration to your requirements.
• A common ploy of specialist firms is to visit your home, spend several hours coming up with a design and a price, and then offer a substantial discount if you sign up there and then. Don't, unless you have already done enough research to know that the deal represents good value and quality. Explain that you are still considering all options, and that you will get back to them. If they can give you 25% off one week, they should be able to offer the same discount a fortnight later.
• Get at least three specialist firms to submit plans and quotations. Make sure you clarify precisely what they will and won't do. Jobs such as levelling a floor or painting and decorating, for example, may be excluded - in which case their schedule must give you time to have the work done.