If you are about to enter into a contract to buy anything of significant value, then make sure you have some guarantee for your money, before you hand over any cash.

You can protect yourself from losing a deposit or your major home improvement purchase if a retailer goes bust by asking a number of vital questions, so says the national trade association for the kitchen bathroom and bedroom industry, the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association, (KBSA).

The Association has issued the top ten questions and buying guidance as the outlook on the high street shows little sign of recovery and the number of business failures continues to soar, they include:

• Is my money safe with you?
• Are you a member of a trade association?
• Will you manage the whole project for me?
• What deposit do you take and is it protected?
• What are the stage payments after the deposit, and are they also protected?
• Do I have a retention until I sign off the project on completion, and if so, how much?
• What happens if you go bust? Are you TrustMark registered?
• If the credit crunch gets worse, and I am affected adversely can I get my deposit back?
• Can I see recent evidence of your association membership, insurance protection and TrustMark status?

At Knaresborough Kitchens we offer ConsumerCare Plus, a comprehensive insurance underwritten by HCC International Insurance Co Plc, a specialist UK authorised insurance company.

In the unlikely event that we cease to trade, deposits up to 25% of the total contract value paid, advance payments up to 75% of the contract value, non-completion of the contract and a 6 year warranty are all covered.

As a member of the KBSA, we follow an Approved Code of Practice and are subject to strict monitoring to ensure continued professional service.

All KBSA members are dedicated to upholding the association’s high standards of design, supply, installation and customer service throughout the interiors industry. All members are carefully vetted prior to admission and they must have been trading for at least two years in order to be considered for membership.

If you have any further questions about the KBSA and the benefits of purchasing from a KBSA retailer then please do not hesitate to get in touch.'