New rules for doors & windows and consumer contracts are just days away

A couple of big legislative changes are only weeks away for any joinery companies that are either selling products and services to the homeowner, or providing doors or windows for new homes. BWF is offering support and guidance documentation to help ensure that members don’t break the law.

1) Mandatory security ratings for doors and windows in new dwellings

Amendments to the building regulations for England will introduce the requirement for security rated doors (including vehicular garage doors) and windows to be provided for new dwellings. These doors and windows should, as a minimum, be of a design successfully tested to PAS 24. Products meeting the requirements of the Secured by Design Scheme would meet the recommendations.

The changes, as proposed in the new Approved Document Q, will take effect on 1 October 2015 for use in England.

Last month BWF hosted its first Webinar on mandatory security ratings for doors and windows. The lunchtime Part Q Webinar enabled the BWF’s technical director, Kevin Underwood, to go through the forthcoming changes and answer a wide range of questions from members on how it would affect their businesses. For BWF members who missed the event, the federation will be making the powerpoint presentation available soon to members and will also be circulating a Part Q factsheet, taking into account any additional FAQs.

2) New Consumer Rights rules

New regulations on consumer rights will have an impact on all firms that sell products and services to the homeowner. The new rights and responsibilities come into force in October and include:

– Consumers having a clear right to demand that substandard services are redone or failing that receive a price reduction.

– Consumers being entitled to some money back after one failed repair of faulty goods (or one faulty replacement) even if more than 30 days have passed.

At the same time you need to consider the new European Directive on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that is in the process of being absorbed into UK law and will introduce a requirement around ADR.  This is designed to offer a quicker and cheaper alternative to the court system when disputes cannot be resolved between the consumer and the business directly.

Even though it’s not mandatory for businesses or consumers to use it, you will be required to signpost the customer to an approved, independent ADR provider – an ombudsman or similar scheme – so there is the option if both parties wish to pursue it. This will also mean updating your T&Cs and knowing who you will signpost to.

Members of the BWF can contact us for advice on the Consumer Rights Rules and the BWF Template resources are being updated to ensure compliance with the new rules.  Members can also access industry-specific legal advice and many free business support services via www.bwf.org.uk