Many of you have been following our Blog and Forum for news on the Crown paint ’wall odour phenomenon’ or ‘smelly paint problem’.
DIY Doctor has also been filmed by BBC ‘Watchdog’, and as soon as we know, we will let you know when this will be on the TV!
Home Information Packs (HIPS) are definately going to be abolished, according to the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat Government’s Coalition Policy which has just been released. The document stipulates that Energy Performance Certificates will be retained.
The announcement comes after months of speculation but will come as a major blow to the HIP industry including many conveyancing firms, who have poured millions into the ill-fated venture. But it is said that it may go some way to helping boost the UK’s housing market.
A new report published has said that the internet gardening market could double to £300m by 2014.
The report is the new AMA Internet Garden Products Market UK 2010-2014 report, and comprises a detailed study of the developing online garden products market and analyses current trends by product sector. It reviews recent market trends and forecasts over the next few years for both specialist garden e-tailers and non-specialists in this market.
The Internet garden products market has experienced strong growth over the last 5 years as increasing numbers of consumers gain access to the Internet and confidence to shop online.
An AMA representative said: “In 2009, 70% of households in the UK have Internet access, an increase of 28% compared to 2006. Increasing numbers of consumers are purchasing online, with garden products a growth area — particularly as older age groups become more comfortable with online purchasing”.
The internet garden products market is estimated to be worth around £160 million at retail prices in 2009, a 28% increase on the previous year. This market estimate includes a mix of both specialist e-tailers — which primarily sell garden products and use the Internet as their main distribution channel — and non-specialists which offer garden products online but this does not represent their main distribution channel. Key ‘non-specialists’ include Argos, DIY Multiples, mail order companies, Screwfix etc.
DIY Doctor are appearing at the Grand Designs Live show at the Excel, London today and tomorrow.
Mike Edwards will be presenting three seminars each day -
11.00 - 11.45 How to Tile your Bathroom
13.00 – 13.45 How to Skim Plaster your Walls
15.00 – 15.45 How to prevent a DIY Disaster
All the presentations will be taking place in the ‘How to…….Design’ Theatre, where you can just drop in to the informal workshops and masterclasses. Come and see us and say hello!
To find out more information on Grand Designs Live which finishes on Sunday 9 May 2010, and for ticket information, click here
Nick Ross, the former Crimewatch and Watchdog presenter, has been signed up as the face of an ombudmsan scheme for the conservatory and double glazing industry being launched from Manchester. The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) has been set up by Tony Pickup, who in 1996 set up the Quality Assurance Association, a trade association for contractors.
The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme aims to offer protection for double glazing and conservatory consumers and double glazing and conservatory installers in a £4.65bn double glazing and conservatory industry. The double glazing and conservatory industry was responsible for 22,000 complaints to trading standards last year.
The DGCOS has already signed up 126 double glazing installers. It is claimed that the new scheme is different from existing consumer protection schemes because installers who sign up for it are legally bound by its decisions.
The DGCOS Compensation Fund will pay out all bona fide claims to compensate homeowners using DGCOS Accredited Installers where traders fail to live up to their promises and the ombudsman has found in their favour. Traders will also have some protection against customers who withhold payment or make unfounded complaints. The double glazing installers also have to pay into a bond scheme to cover compensation if they cease trading.
Nick Ross said: “Consumer agencies champion ombudsman schemes because they give customers real protection. DGCOS is based on similar schemes which have been successful in other industries and are strongly recommended by consumer groups.
“Rogue traders have done serious harm to the reputation of the industry, so restoring confidence is important not just for consumers but for all good contractors. DGCOS can help rebuild trust and mark out the good guys from the cowboys.”
