This article was written and distributed by the Federation of Master Builders, the building industry's largest trade organisation, representing over 13,000 small and medium-sized companies throughout the UK. If you'd like to know more about the FMB, or would like to find a reputable builder, try the Find a Builder web site at: http://www.findabuilder.co.uk.

Building confidence in getting a conservatory installed

Over 300,000 conservatories were installed in the UK last year and that figure is set to rise to over 350,000 in 2004, as homeowners think long term about adding value to their properties.

According to analysts, the most effective way of doing this is to increase the amount of space within your home, rather than undertaking interior improvements. Conservatories were singled out as the real stars for creating extra room. Adding a conservatory is also far more cost-effective and less hassle than moving home, but also provide an attractive selling point when the owners eventually move on.

However adding a conservatory may not always be an investment: With hundreds of cowboy builders offering cheap deals for cash in hand, the potential gains of adding a conservatory are significantly reduced if the homeowner has to pay to rectify the damage caused by shoddy workmanship.

With a view to renewing customer confidence, the FMB has teamed up with K2, one of the UK's largest conservatory companies, to launch an Approved Installer Scheme.

The scheme gives customers the assurance when buying a K2 conservatory that their installer will be bound by the Approved Installer Scheme code of practise and that they will also provide them with a ten-year MasterBond Warranty.

The ten-year MasterBond Warranty is a product designed by the Federation of Master Builders and already used with success by many builders wanting to offer homeowners cover for their home improvements when the job's complete.

In order to gain a place on the Approved Installer Scheme, participating companies have to go through a detailed and rigorous vetting process. As part of this, K2 in conjunction with the FMB check everything - from the company's trading history and terms of conduct to their levels of quality, integrity and professionalism. They seek a number of references and subject members to random, on-the-spot inspections. Only when they are 100% confident that they can meet and abide by the strict standards set out are these companies awarded the K2 seal of approval.

Sally Fielding, managing director, K2 says: "With the Approved Installer Scheme, our aim is to give assurance to consumers so they feel confident enough to improve their homes, by adding a conservatory."

For further information of a builder or an installer near you, visit www.findabuilder.co.uk.