Handyman Courses Related News
Insulate your home , owners urged »
Handymen and tradesmen could find a boost in insulation installation work following a recommendation by the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC).
Insulation improves a home without breaking the bank »
By Brian de Selby
Homeowners trying to make savings on their energy bills should consider hiring a qualified tradesman to install loft insulation, according to the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC).
Tradesmen to the rescue at local playgroup »
By Susie Cho
A playgroup in Bicester that was facing closure has been rescued after a tradesman, a qualified plumber and others stepped in to help.
Distance Learning Trade News
VAT reduction would cut out the cowboys
A cut in the rate of VAT on home renovations would help to ensure that only qualified tradesmen get the work they're entitled to, one business federation claims.
The Federation of Small Businesses recently called on the government to lower the 15 per cent VAT rate on home renovations to five per cent.
So-called 'cowboy builders' have been taking advantage of the economic situation by offering to carry out renovation and maintenance work VAT-free, according to Andrew Leech, director of the National Home Improvement Council.
"The work has then suffered as a result of that. It has probably cost them a fortune because they have had to have someone who can do the job come back and go over the whole work," he commented.
Figures from Unbiased.co.uk show that as many as a quarter of British homeowners are planning top make substantial improvements to their homes in 2009.
