Adding a little colour here and there can really lift the look of your home. Adding patio blinds and awnings may add some shade. Or perhaps it’s security you’re wanting to boost by adding some roller shutters. Whatever your motivation is for improving things at your place, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) recommends you brush up on your consumer rights to help avoid  home improvement hassles.

Research some options

Before you approach any home improvement businesses, do some research to see what options are available. Consider the types of materials and designs you like, if products need to be weather-proof, and whether you prefer motorised or manual operation for things like blinds and shutters. Ask family and friends if there are any suppliers they recommend for similar products they’ve purchased for their place. It’s also a good idea to search online for independent reviews about each business you’re thinking of contacting.

Seek three quotes

Some businesses charge thousands of dollars more than others for the same or very similar products, so get three quotes before deciding to sign up. Make sure each quote is fixed and includes all costs, including installation where required. Also ask about installation timeframes so you know what to expect.

Check their licence

If installation will be arranged by the business, be aware that a builder’s licence is required for many tasks such as installing café blinds, awnings, security doors and screens, roller doors and shutters and any roof restoration work.

When a licence is required, make sure you only deal with someone who is licensed to do the kind of work you need done. Anyone working without a licence - or outside of what their licence allows them to do – is breaking the law and their work could be substandard.

Every business that offers building services must display their licence number on any advertising, including on social media, their website and business card. You can also check if a business is licensed by asking to see their licence or look up their licence details on the CBS licensing register.

If you come across any businesses that appear to be operating without the right licence, please report them to CBS via the online consumer complaints form.

Know your rights with unsolicited sales

Some home improvement businesses proactively seek out potential customers by cold calling, door knocking or approaching people in the common area of a shopping centre. Anytime a business approaches you, without you inviting their contact, this approach is ‘unsolicited’. Under the Australian Consumer Law, you have certain protections when it comes to unsolicited sales.

If the contract is over $100 there must be a written contract and you have a 10-day cooling-off period to cancel the contract. With very limited exceptions, the business must not supply any products or services or take any payment during the 10 days.

Some scenarios where a sale would also be considered unsolicited are outlined below.

• You call a business to request a quote for plantation shutters. They send out a rep to take measurements and provide the quote. While the rep is at your home you enter into a contract for the purchase and installation.
• You purchase roller shutters for all the windows across the front of your place. While the shutters are being installed, the supplier offers to sell and install roller shutters for all windows across the back of your home too. They provide you with a quote for the extra shutters and you agree to the additional shutters at the time of this new quote. The contract relating to the additional shutters would be an unsolicited consumer agreement.

If a business approaches you with a deal, it’s always best to take the time to compare quotes from different businesses and do independent research. And remember to check they hold the right licence if a builder’s licence is required for the installation.

For more information

Read more about your rights with purchasing home improvement products and services, and contact Consumer and Business Services (CBS) , 131 882 if you need further advice.