Bathrooms Nov08 pg46 22/10/08 07:48 Page 46
Industry Update
THE TILE ASSOCIATION COLUMN
Installation insurance
guarantees confidence from
hard-pressed consumers
A
s the ‘credit crunch’ continues to bite, it is even more important that
installation professionals set about differentiate themselves from
their competition: not least through increasing confidence in their
businesses through the provision of Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs).
This is the message from HomePro –
the UK’s leading provider of IBGs – and
Striped Glass Mosaic from Decorworks Collection, Pilkington's Group specialist in providing insurance and
services to the trade and construction
Tiling in Wetrooms
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.
I
n the past few years there has been an increase in the installation of
HomePro Insurance’s dedicated and
wet rooms in domestic bathrooms. A Technical Working Group of
established warranty product for the
The Tile Association has prepared the paper “Tiling in Wet Rooms” in
kitchen, bathroom and bedroom retail
response to this demand.
installation sector is available as a four-
The document highlights the importance of correct design, water resistant
stage product covering deposits, stage
background materials, tiles and installation products and methods to bring
payments, work in progress and quality
about a safe and long lasting wet room. It also sets out what is considered to
of workmanship for up to a decade.
be best practice guidance elaborating the information provided in British
The KBB IBG is cost-effectively priced
Standard BS5385:4 Wall & Floor Tiling – Code of practice for tiling and
and highly competitive compared to
mosaics in specific conditions.
those sourced from other providers or
It covers topics such as minimum and maximum falls in floors, slip
trade associations – and is available to
resistance, the correct provision of rails seats and shower curtains as well as
all professional installation businesses,
ventilation requirements. There is a section on tanking systems and a detailed
whether association members or not.
section on the choice of tiles including mosaics, glass tiles and natural
Premiums not only cover the cost of the
products. It covers the choice of adhesives, grouts and sealants and the
installer’s own guarantee; but also provide
installation of underfloor heating. It concludes with recommendations on
the bonus of deposit protection up to
general cleaning and maintenance.
25% of the contract value which may be asked of a customer at the start of a
There is also a section with frequently asked questions such as:
project. This level of cover makes closing the sales process much easier because
Can I use marine plywood as a backing on the wall in my wet
customers are so much happier handing over the deposit safe in the knowledge
room?
that it is fully protected. The IBG policy also covers an installer’s guarantee
Do I need to skim the plasterboard in my wet room?
obligations for periods up to an industry-leading 10 years.
I want to use a power shower. Are there any special
precautions I should take?
TrustMark
How do I prevent water escaping from my wet
All HomePro IBGs exceed, and are compliant with TrustMark standards and all
room?
policies are underwritten and managed under the auspices of the Financial
The document has just been completed and
Services Authority (FSA). Combined with TrustMark accreditation – available
will be available from The Tile Association before
through both HomePro and its sister organisation FairTrades – IBGs serve to
the end of the year. You will find it and other
reassure consumers of the bona fides of their suppliers; and enable independents
technical documents at
to better compete with big high street brands.
http://www.tiles.org.uk/help/publications.shtml
www.homeproinsurance.co.uk
where you can download an order form. TTA
members will receive one free copy.
THE TILE
ASSOCIATION
a76
For all you need to know about tiles and tiling go to our
www.tiles.org.uk
46 BKUNOVEMBER 2008
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