To support the changing market, The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) is introducing shorter 6 and 2 year registration options for members, in addition to its current standard of 10 years, allowing members to offer more relevant protection on installations and replacements.
Faisal Hussain, DGCOS Chief Executive, explains the thought-process behind the decision: “Did you know that under Competent Person Scheme requirements installers must provide 6 years’ financial protection for consumers when replacing windows and doors? And, that some Competent Person Schemes also only require 6 years’ consumer protection too. As an industry, we have always offered 10 years as standard, and this could be an unnecessary expense. We want to give our members the option to provide either a new standard 6-year registration or a 10-year ‘added value’ registration. Consumers would still have free access to all our services, under the 6 and 2 year options, which includes our advice line, mediation and access to the Ombudsman.
“The new 2-year registration level is specifically designed for smaller jobs such as replacement handles, locks or individual units, where a 10-year guarantee is neither needed nor required.
“By offering different registration levels, we are reducing the financial burden on installers at a time when companies have to compete for every penny earned, and when costs are increasing. Installers can still meet their legal requirements towards their customers but can do it at a more accessible price point, something that we believe will appeal to medium sized businesses, in particular. As it stands, the 10-year package is still vital for companies who are FENSA members to match their requirements on guarantees.
“As I have spoken about before, overdelivering on consumer rights by having 10 year guarantees in place adds to the wider cost for all of us across the industry. More information will be provided when the new registration options go live, which is expected to be in 2024.”