I AM writing to advise your readers to be very wary when parting with their hard-earned money when having improvements done to their home. I have recently (February) had a new kitchen fitted from a company and, to my complete disgust, the company seem to be totally contemptuous in respect of their obligation to fit the kitchen to the implied standard.

This so-called reputable company, who claim to have been trading since the early 1900s, have allowed their employees or sub-contractors to perform a very poor fitting standard and, upon receipt of the full amount for the service provided, have still yet to make an appointment to come and honour their obligations to remedy their shoddy workmanship.

My advice when arranging for companies to make improvements to your home is to check credential; compare other jobs carried out by the firm; if possible be there when the work is being done; don't sign anything before checking the completed job; examine claims of "free" fitting; keep back ten per cent of the cost until you are completely satisfied and always put any complaints in writing.

I have finally decided that restitution through the courts is my only realistic option of getting the company to complete its obligations. Take my advice and save yourself the trouble of trying to get a supposedly reputable company back to honour their obligations once they have received payment in full.

PHIL TAYLOR