Q. Does it make a difference if a company is a member of a trade association or not?

Submitted by: SN
 

A. There is a plethora of associations, guilds, federations, user groups etc. covering all industries, trades and professions and it is very difficult to know the good the bad and the useless. Some stipulate and enforce stringent membership conditions whilst others accept applicants provided they enclose a cheque.

The reality is that even in highly respected associations there will be some rogues though of course this will be denied. The bottom line is that whilst associations naturally make grand claims about their membership all trades are carried out by humans who as we know are not infallible. So even a good company can have a bad day – but that’s life.

The answer to your question therefore is a really helpful ‘yes and no’. Some associations are good and work hard for their membership and their members clients. Others just sell the use of a badge.

The usual rules apply prior to engaging a company to do work for you:

Ask for references of others they have worked for in your area and make
certain that you contact them.

Ask to see proof that they are correctly and adequately insured. Liability insurance for building preservation companies has become very expensive in recent years.

If they claim to be members of an association contact that association to check their credentials, ask how long they have been a member, ask about their complaints procedure. Check out the association.

If a company is claiming to be a manufacture’s ‘approved contractor’ in reality this means very little as it is a commercial ploy operated by manufacturers to help secure that companies continued loyalty to their products.

Ask about their quality control procedures. Who will supervise the job? Who will carry out the final inspection?

Good luck