Damp Proof Companies

Although work is done on the properties, it is very often ineffective, unnecessary or both.
Often, a discount is offered as an 'incentive' if the customer signs up there and then and pays a deposit. However, written cancellation rights, required by law in these circumstances, are not given. Sales pitches may include consumers being advised that the scheme is the subject of independent funding ie. Government Grants.

General Advice to Consumers

Doorstep sellers are trained to get people to buy and can be very persuasive. Once a doorstep seller has been admitted to your home they are often expecting a sale and they won't give up easily. It is worth giving some consideration to the following guidelines: -

• If you are in any doubt about the seller or the product then just say 'No'. Do not invite the seller into your home and shut the door.
• You may ask the seller what will happen if you change your mind. In most cases there will be a 7 day cancellation period during which you may cancel the contract.
• It is worth remembering that most reputable sellers will allow you time to think about your purchase if you are not sure.
• If you decide to purchase the goods or services offered it is advisable to obtain estimates/quotations from other providers to check whether prices are competitive.
• If you decide to make a purchase from the doorstep seller, always obtain a receipt detailing the full name and address of the company concerned.

Your Statutory Rights as a Consumer

If you enter a contract for damp proof works pursuant to a 'cold call' you must be given a 7 day cancellation period. This period commences on the date of the contract and expires 7 days after. If you cancel, any monies paid by way of deposit must be repaid.

However, if the works are completed prior to expiry of the 7 days then you may have to pay the suppliers for the work done on your property.

Should the supplier try and install the system prior to the expiry of cancellation against your wishes, stand your ground, legislation provides you right to cancel within a specified 7 day cancellation period.

If representations were made to you at the time the contract was made which transpire to be untrue then a you may have a civil claim for damages for misrepresentation. Further advice will be required in these circumstances.

If you made payment by way of credit card then any breach of contract or misrepresentation by the supplier may give rise to a claim for damages.

Complaints

If you have a complaint of a nature described below, regarding a damp proof company, please contact the Consumer Advice Action desk either on 0151-666-5288 or by email at tradingstandards@wirral.gov.uk

• If the company has indicated any grants available of any nature from another agency, ie a government department
• If you have not been provided with cancellation rights.
• If you are concerned about selling techniques, sales pitches and/or conduct of the sales representative.
• Any misleading information in respect of the product/service.

Trading Standards Division, 3rd Floor, Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED
Telephone: 08454 04 05 06    Fax: (0151) 691 8098
Internet World Wide Web http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/wirral/
Electronic Mail: tradingstandards@wirral.gov.uk