Ready to spring into action to improve your home? Raring to go with repairs or a refurbishment?
If you're planning to call in the experts – from plumbers and builders to bathroom fitters and roofers – the East Dunbartonshire Trusted Trader scheme has got you covered.
The initiative, which is supported by the Council and Trading Standards, provides easy access to a list of local and reputable vetted businesses.
You can search for Trusted Traders via the website (external link opens in new window) – as well as viewing feedback and comments left by previous customers.
The Trusted Trader scheme is supported by Police Scotland and www.consumeradvice.scot (external link opens in new window).
It aims to:
- Give householders across East Dunbartonshire increased confidence that they are engaging the services of legitimate traders
- Promote good practice within local businesses
- Protect residents from doorstep crime
- Generate custom for local companies.
The Council’s Trading Standards team is responsible for overseeing the scheme – vetting traders, regularly examining business practices, and monitoring reviews and feedback.
Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of the Council's Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, said, "It's great news that a wide range of local businesses have signed up for the Trusted Trader scheme – providing reassurance to potential customers that they are reputable and reliable.
"If you're planning to have work done on your property, check out the website (external link opens in new window) where you can search for a business and view comments from previous customers. It's also the place to go if you're a local trader and interested in joining the scheme."
The Trusted Trader initiative is centred around a Code of Practice, which covers:
- Transparent procedures for quoting and carrying out work
- Only charging a fair and reasonable price
- Dealing with complaints promptly.
Councillor Ferretti added, "Taking some simple precautions can help you to avoid falling victim to bogus callers and rogue traders. Don't allow anyone you're not expecting into your home and never pay up front for work still to be carried out.
"Please don't feel pressured into making decisions quickly – legitimate traders will be comfortable returning at a later date, which gives you a chance to carry out your own research."
If you ever feel threatened or pressured, contact Police Scotland on 101 or Trading Standards on 0300 123 4510.
Visit the Trusted Trader website (external link opens in new window) for more information and check out the Council's Trading Standards webpage (link opens in window).
Follow us on X @EDCouncil (link is external), Instagram (link is external) or like us on Facebook (link is external)