Finding an installer
Finding an installer
Finding an installer can be difficult. Here are a few suggestions to help.
Personal recommendation is always best, so ask within your local networks.
Make sure that the installer is accredited, and that the work commissioned will include a certificate that ensures it has been completed to a recognised standard.
Ensure that you have a clear quote for the work undertaken, so that there are no surprises when the invoice is prepared.
We would recommend that if you are getting solar PV or heat pump installed, that you should chose an installer registered with the MCS scheme.
Regarding solid wall insulation, both internal and external, these are specialist skills and the work must be done in a way that ensures that issues such as cold bridging and condensation are minimised. If in doubt, consult an architect or building surveyor to ensure that an appropriate design and technology is being used.
Sources of installer information
Trades: Solar PV, heat pumps, biomass heating
Installers for these are mostly listed on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme which is searchable online and you can apply filters by location.
Trades: All trades
Trustmark website. Trustmark is the only government approved quality assurance scheme for contractors and installers who carry out work on domestic properties, and there is an online searchable database. Business listed have to have demonstrated that they maintain the required standards of technical competence, customer service and trading practices. Unfortunately, this scheme is still in its early stages, so there are not that many certified businesses yet operating in Wales, but it is worth checking out as a source of trusted installers.
Trades: All trades
The AECB (Association for Environmentally Conscious Building) website has a directory of all of their members. The ability to search and filter the directory is very limited.
Trades: All trades
Federation of Master Builders. General database for building contractors, some ability to search for particular services such as insulation.