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Storm Damage Repairs Belfast

The warning follows a number of reports from households who have found tradespeople "touting for business" in areas where properties were affected by the storm.
Conlon Hardware Store & Hire Centre Ltd
028 90612211
111 Andersonstown Road
Belfast
Architectural Hardware (Belfast) Ltd
028 90681417
Unit 5-6 The Meadows
Belfast
Ohares Hardware Store
028 90322318
223 Falls Road
Belfast
Shankill Hardware
028 90320810
336-338 Shankill Road
Belfast
S Mcpeake Paints
028 90249643
111 Falls Road
Belfast
Munn'S Hardware
028 90381057
531 Lisburn Road
Belfast
Hatch Bros
028 90614526
147 Upper Lisburn Road
Belfast
Brook Design Hardware Ltd
028 90616505
Brook House
Belfast
Mcglade'S Hardware Merchants
028 90200156
794 Springfield Road
Belfast
Dawson Wright Hardware
028 90450381
355 Woodstock Road
Belfast
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Storm Damage Repairs

Homeowners are recommended to use Trustmark accredited tradespeople or those recommended by friends and relatives

Households that suffered damage to their homes following last week's storm are being warned to watch out for rogue tradesmen, the government announced today.

The warning follows a number of reports from households who have found tradespeople "touting for business" in areas where properties were affected by the storm.

"If you have suffered storm damage to your house or garden, you might be tempted to accept the first offer that comes along, but this doesn't always guarantee that you'll be pleased with the result," commented Carol Brady, operations manager for Consumer Direct, the government's advice service.

"We are advising people to contact their insurance company in the first instance, and follow some simple steps to reduce the risk of being ripped off."

Tips for organising repairs to a damaged property

  • Before organising any repairs, contact your insurance company.

    Consumer Direct advised: "Some insurance companies may arrange approved traders to repair damage on your behalf, but if you organise your own repairs, check what will be covered."

  • As well as getting recommendations for tradespeople from family, friends and neighbours, homeowners can also look for a Trustmark-registered firm ( www.trustmark.org.uk )

    Additionally, Consumer Direct advises people to be "very cautious" if they employ a tradesperson who makes an unsolicited visit.

  • Get three written quotes (not estimates) from at least three traders.

  • If you can, make staged payments, ideally keeping back a most of the payment until the repair job has been completed and you are happy with it. That way any defects can be put right without the need to make a claim or go to court for compensation.

  • Paying for goods or services over £100 by credit card will offer extra protection, as the credit card company may be able to claim your money back on your behalf if the trader fails to honour the contract, as well as compensating you.

    For more advice on household goods and property repairs see www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

    • Click here to read more from aboutproperty.co.uk