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Try QuoteSmith Free for 7 DaysOffering a written warranty is one of the simplest ways to build trust with clients and demonstrate the quality of your work. Here is everything you need to know about warranties as a tradesperson in the UK.
A professional warranty should clearly define the scope of work covered, the duration of coverage, and the responsibilities of both parties. At a minimum, your warranty should cover:
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, all services provided by tradespeople must be carried out with reasonable care and skill. Any materials supplied must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and match any description given. These are statutory rights that apply regardless of whether you provide a written warranty.
If work does not meet these standards, the consumer is entitled to request a repair, a price reduction, or in some cases a full refund. A written warranty does not replace these statutory rights but complements them by setting out the specific terms of your additional guarantee.
Importantly, you cannot use a warranty to limit or exclude the consumer's statutory rights. Any clause that attempts to do so is unenforceable.
Warranty periods vary significantly depending on the type of work. Here are the typical industry standards:
| Trade / Work Type | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|
| General building work | 1 - 2 years |
| Roofing (flat roof) | 10 - 15 years |
| Roofing (pitched / tiled) | 15 - 20 years |
| Plumbing | 1 - 2 years |
| Electrical work | 1 - 6 years |
| Kitchen fitting | 1 - 5 years |
| Bathroom fitting | 1 - 5 years |
| Landscaping / driveways | 1 - 5 years |
| Plastering / rendering | 2 - 5 years |
| Window / door installation | 5 - 10 years |
| Boiler installation | 5 - 12 years (manufacturer) |
It is important to distinguish between these two types of warranty. A workmanship warranty covers defects arising from how the work was carried out -- for example, tiles falling off because of poor adhesion, or a leak caused by an incorrectly fitted joint. A materials warranty covers defects in the products themselves -- for example, a tap that develops a fault within a year of installation.
Many tradespeople offer both. In practice, the materials warranty is often backed by the manufacturer's guarantee, while the workmanship warranty is the tradesperson's own commitment. Offering a combined warranty gives clients maximum confidence and protection.
Clients choosing between tradespeople often look for reassurance that the work will last. A professional written warranty:
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Common questions about warranties for tradespeople in the UK.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, all work carried out by a tradesperson must be done with reasonable care and skill. While there is no legal requirement to provide a written warranty document, the Act gives consumers automatic rights if work is not of satisfactory quality. Providing a written warranty is best practice as it sets clear expectations, builds client trust, and can help avoid disputes.
A workmanship warranty covers the quality of the labour and installation carried out by the tradesperson. If something fails due to poor installation or technique, the tradesperson is responsible for putting it right. A materials warranty covers defects in the products and materials used. Many tradespeople offer both, as the materials warranty is often backed by the manufacturer while the workmanship warranty is the tradesperson's own guarantee.
Warranty periods vary by trade and type of work. Common industry standards are: general building work 1-2 years, roofing 10-20 years, plumbing 1-2 years, electrical work 1-6 years, kitchen and bathroom fitting 1-5 years, and landscaping 1-5 years. The key is to offer a period you are confident in and that reflects the expected lifespan of the work.
A professional warranty certificate should include: your business name and contact details, the client's name and property address, a description of the work covered, the warranty type (workmanship, materials, or both), the start date and duration, specific exclusions (such as normal wear and tear, misuse, or third-party modifications), and any conditions the client must meet to keep the warranty valid.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 sets out consumer rights when purchasing goods and services in the UK. For tradespeople, it means all services must be performed with reasonable care and skill, any materials supplied must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose, and the work must match any description given. If work does not meet these standards, the consumer can request a repair, a price reduction, or in some cases a full refund.
Yes, you can include reasonable exclusions in your warranty. Common exclusions include normal wear and tear, damage caused by the client or third parties, modifications made without your approval, failure to follow maintenance instructions, and damage from extreme weather events. However, you cannot use exclusions to override the consumer's statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
In everyday language, warranty and guarantee are often used interchangeably. Legally, there is a subtle difference: a guarantee is typically a promise from the manufacturer about the product, while a warranty is a promise from the service provider about the work. For tradespeople, the terms are largely interchangeable. The important thing is to clearly state what is covered and for how long.
Yes. Even for small jobs, providing a warranty certificate demonstrates professionalism and builds client confidence. It sets you apart from competitors and shows you stand behind your work. For smaller jobs, a shorter warranty period (such as 1 year) is perfectly reasonable. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to all jobs regardless of size.
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