The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has announced the launch of Protected, a new digital platform that connects homeowners with professionals via the independent retailer.

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The initiative, which is available to retailers of all sizes at no cost, is set to change the way homeowners find, appoint and transact with specialist kitchen and bathroom installers, providing an extra level of protection for the parties involved.

How it works

Retailers will be able to signpost their customers to the Protected platform, in store or online, where they provide basic project detail of their desired project.

Consumers are then presented with summary costs for consideration and, if they wish to proceed, Protected matches the project requirements with local, independently accredited members of BiKBBI.

These members meet and maintain criteria including HMRC verification, police background checks, provision of trade insurance and demonstration of technical ability in accordance with Building Regulations and legislation.

Homeowners can then choose an installer based on previous customer ratings, aiding an informed choice, before a free, no obligation home survey is undertaken. This will include an itemised breakdown of work, clear pricing with a detailed written quotation, as well as a Trading Standards Approved contract for service for ultimate clarity.

Consumers pay for their installation service into a financially protected client account, which is paid to the installer upon satisfactory completion of the project. In the event of dispute, both the consumer and the installer have access to onsite assessment from the BiKBBI to support resolution.

The consumer is fully financially protected, as is the installer and the entire proposition is underpinned by insurance-backed workmanship warranties and the high standards set by the BiKBBI.

‘Installation is a complex beast and for some retailers can be a real distraction to the business of designing and selling beautiful product. For years retailers have either taken the responsibility, cost and complexity by offering an installation service themselves, recommended to third-parties or not offered installation at all. All ‘traditional’ options pose differing challenges, but I don’t think that has to be the case now,’ explains Damian Walters, CEO at BIKBBI.

‘For years retailers have engaged BiKBBI in search of a national installation solution. Sadly for them, no proven model was available and therefore we were unable to help. But with advances in technology, our experience in the industry and our access to thousands of professional installers nationally, we’re delighted to be in a position to present them with a real tangible solution’ he added.

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For more information about Protected visit www.protectmyinstall.co.uk/retailers and for more information about the BiKBBI visit www.bikbbi.org.uk.

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