The Timber Decking Association (TDA) – the UK’s leading source of help and advice on timber decking to homeowners and professionals – has retained HomePro Insurance as the provider of Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) to TDA registered design and installation contractors. The move follows the TDA’s decision to make providing an IBG a requirement of membership, further reinforcing the standards of workmanship necessary for its well-regarded DeckMark^TM quality assurance scheme.

The TDA chose HomePro as its IBG provider as part of its drive to provide best value for its members; and because the company specialises in providing insurance and services to the trade and construction industries; offering products that are not only highly competitive but are also associated with levels of service and cover that are unrivalled in the sector.

HomePro is providing the TDA with an IBG policy that not only covers a contractor’s guarantee obligations for periods of up to 10 years, but also provides deposit protection right from the start of the contract. The company is also producing TDA branded promotional warranty literature and creating a dedicated Decking Section on the HomePro Find-a-Pro Web site.

Deposit protection inclusive premiums not only cover the cost of the installer’s own guarantee; but also provide the bonus of deposit protection up to 25% of the contract value that may be asked of a customer at the start of a project. This is a strong pre-selling benefit for contractors that take deposits as part of their terms of trade.

 Find-a-Pro was launched to the general public in February 2000 as an on- and off-line service allowing householders and others wanting home improvements to source reputable active building trades professionals hoping to undertake that work. In 2005 it helped match thousands of homeowners with tradespeople, resulting in millions of pounds of project value. 

Steve Young, TDA Director, said of HomePro’s announcement, “We recognise that being able to offer consumers an effective warranty scheme based around Insurance Backed Guarantees is a great way of improving homeowner confidence, increasing sales and enhancing the professional image of our members. HomePro, as an acknowledged leader in the field, has not only delivered our members a highly cost-effective package; but also a raft of service and quality commitments that are second to none. It really does position TDA registered installers as customer focussed businesses”.

 Ends.

Editors’ notes:

The Timber Decking Association (TDA) is a technical and advisory organisation that provides guidance on the materials and practices required to create high quality decks and associated structures. The TDA is the voice of authority on decking in the UK and is recognised as setting the standard for all that's best in design, construction practices.

 

Britain’s leading insurer of new homes, the NHBC, requires that all decks built on new properties now comply with TDA standards.

 For further information contact Steve Young, Timber Decking Association on 01977 558147