Knowing Your Rights

Some consumers are unaware of their legal rights and obligations when purchasing goods or hiring services.

Consumers should know that regardless of whether there is a written agreement between themselves and the contractor (although you should still always insist on written paperwork) you still have basic rights. When you buy goods or services you are covered by the normal consumer protection laws, for goods, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended), and for services, the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (as amended) under which you the consumer can expect the work or goods to be:

• Fit for purpose, carried out with reasonable skill and of a satisfactory quality.
• Finished within a sensible time (unless a completion date has been agreed).
• Provided at a realistic cost, even if you didn't agree a specific price in writing first. Although it's advisable to agree the cost of all works in advance.

For further information on your rights as a consumer please visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk