The next two years of the digital switchover roll out is the time to be extra vigilant when looking for an aerial installer. It certainly appears from the CAI’s angle that there are more and more rogue traders emerging that think aerial rigging is an easy job, and a quick buck to be made.
Its imperative that if you think you need help where an aerial is concerned that you seek someone reputable. Its always wise to look to see if the installer belongs to a trade association. (The CAI is always the best place to start). If you find an installer using the CAI logo, they must also provide their unique ID number, this can either be found on the advert itself, or on their membership certificate. All CAI approved installers will also carry a photo ID card, and this will also show their unique ID number. If you are at all unsure, you can check the website at www.cai.org.uk. All CAI members are awarded this number along with full use of the logo when they are fully fledged members of the Confederation.
All CAI installers must provide adequate insurance, they have all undergone a full inspection and in most cases (if they are also plus members) will carry an up to date working safely at height certificate and have undergone a criminal record check to give you extra piece of mind. Of course if in the end you still feel that an installation could have been slightly better, CAI also have a formal complaints procedure in place and can offer a double guarantee on their work.
Many rogue traders pretend they have various qualifications and are a member of a trade association, when in reality they turn up without the appropriate reception testing equipment and safety equipment, start drilling where they shouldn’t, offer to replace the existing aerial when it doesn’t need replacing and want to charge horrendous amounts of money for doing very little. To stop any installer like this from doing any work on your property look for all of the points above, but also be wary if a rogue aerial installer comes to your door and:
* Avoids giving references.
* Only supplies a mobile no. and gives no address on their letterhead/business card.
* Will do the job ’cheaper for cash’ on the grounds that the customer avoids paying the VAT.
* Will not confirm anything in writing.
* Tells the customer they are approved by an organisation when they are not.
* Tells the customer not to worry about the details of the job.
* Confuses the customer with jargon and complicated explanations.
* Cannot give a specific cost for materials or labour but asks for money upfront.
* Provides a quote that is surprisingly low – if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is!
If as a customer, you are clear about the work that needs to be done, you have collected 3 written quotations, have checked they are members of a trade association or other body, asked for references and followed these up and checked to see the companies insurance (currently 2mlln for domestic cover and 5mlln for systems) then you are well on your way in finding a good professional aerial installer,
other than that check ET's web page and you've already found one.
www.ethomecinema.co.uk
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