Choose an installer by evidence of competence, a complete survey and a clear contract, not reviews or price alone. The goal is to know who designs, approves, builds, inspects and fixes each part.

Due-diligence sequence

1. Define the same project brief for every bidder.
2. Verify legal identity, address, insurance and relevant scheme claims.
3. Ask who performs structural, ground and drainage assessments.
4. Compare itemised specifications, exclusions and assumptions.
5. Check responsibility for approvals and subcontractors.
6. Tie staged payments to observable milestones.
7. Agree variation, delay, cancellation, snagging and dispute processes.
8. Read guarantees and insurance documents before paying.

Never treat a badge image as verification; check it in the issuing organisation’s live register where available.

FAQs

Who is responsible for subcontractors on the project?

The contract should identify your contracting party and who manages, pays and takes responsibility for each subcontracted trade.

Which milestones should be agreed before staged payments?

Use project-specific, inspectable stages and define the evidence due at each one. Avoid vague dates or a large unexplained advance.

Suggested component

A printable installer checklist and milestone builder, with no paid-placement effect on scoring.

Related guides

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