Independent Inspections
At times, parties involved in a dispute need a little extra help in order to reach a resolution.
For our Ombudsmen to make a ruling in a case they weigh up all evidence presented to them taking into consideration the rights and duties set out in law and what is fair, reasonable and practical. If there is a lack of evidence on one side then we may ask for further information or evidence to be submitted or an independent inspection to be carried out.
There is a range of inspections that consumers can commission so as to provide evidence to back up their case. These inspections can be found in a comparison table for your ease of reference.
Smart Inspection
What is a Smart Inspection?
Homeserve will be instructed as a consultant by The Ombudsman to carry out this report on behalf of the applicant. The Smart Report is ideal for providing the consumer and retailer with an indication of the validity of the issues in dispute, the possible cause and the appropriate remedy where possible.
What will the report do
Confirm as far as is possible whether the fault(s) which the applicant has complained of is reasonable and valid.
Identify possible manufacturing or design fault. Confirm as far as is possible whether the fault(s) which the applicant has complained of is reasonable and valid.
Types of products the inspection can used for?
Suitable for soft furnishings, upholstery, cabinets, wooden furniture & beds.
Cost of a Smart inspection
£150
Virtual Inspection
What is a Virtual Inspection?
The quality of photographs and the availability of smart-phone video evidence or short video calls means that inspection reports can now be undertaken by consultants at arms-length.
Evidence submitted by the consumer or business will be collated and forwarded onto an independent inspector who specialises in the type of product the complaint is regarding. They will review the evidence and will document the findings in a report that can be used in the dispute.
These inspections, as they are virtual have no geographical limitations and can be carried out at a time to suit the consumer.
What will the report do
Confirm as far as is possible whether the fault(s) which the applicant has complained of is reasonable and valid.
Types of products the inspection can used for?
Examples of the types of complaints that Virtual Inspections can be used for:
Curtains
Upholstery and soft furnishings
Furniture including tables, cupboards, bookshelves and occasional furniture
Flooring and tiling
Operation of hinges and soft close machines in installations
Damage to products or property
Beds & mattresses
Please note this is not an exhaustive list. Where the independent inspection assessor deems that the virtual inspection will be of little to no benefit to the advancement of your case then we will contact you and arrange a refund.
All furniture, fitted kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, installations and general home improvements.
Cost of a virtual inspection
£135
Gold Inspection
What is a Gold Inspection?
This court complicate report is designed to provide an independent assessment of a product and/or service to ensure that both parties know what the problems are and whether there is a valid complaint. This is a technical opinion in relation to the goods and/or service carried out and is not a decision on the entitlement that either party may have from a legal point of view. It will identify any defects or faults and give an opinion as to how/why those issues may have occurred. Each report contains digital images of the item in order to illustrate any faults found. Where possible the report will equip the parties with the possible solutions available in order to make cost effective repairs and the number of estimated hours involved in doing so. Inspections are prepared by consultants selected from a pool of trusted independent experts located throughout the UK. Each consultant prepares the report in preparation for use in Dispute Resolution or where required - formal litigation before the Court.
What will the report do
It will identify any defects or faults and give an opinion as to how/why those issues may have occurred. It will also suggest possible remedial works that may be necessary along with an estimate of the number of hours it would take to carry out the required works.
Types of products the inspection can used for
All furniture, fitted kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, installations and general home improvements.
Cost of this report
Price based on individual quotation. Approximately £350-£700
Downloads
Member Inspection
What is a Member Inspection?
This court compliant report is designed to provide an independent assessment of a product and/or service to ensure that both parties know what the problems are and whether there is a valid complaint. This is a technical opinion in relation to the goods and/or service carried out and is not a decision on the entitlement that either party may have from a legal point of view. It will identify any defects or faults and give an opinion as to how/why those issues may have occurred. Each report contains digital images of the item in order to illustrate any faults found. Where possible the report will equip the parties with the possible solutions available in order to make cost effective repairs and the number of estimated hours involved in doing so. Inspections are prepared by consultants selected from a pool of trusted independent experts located throughout the UK. Each consultant prepares the report in preparation for use in Dispute Resolution or where required - formal litigation before the Court.
What will the report do?
It will identify any defects or faults and give an opinion as to how/why those issues may have occurred. It will also suggest possible remedial works that may be necessary along with an estimate of the number of hours it would take to carry out the required works.
Types of products the inspection can used for?
All furniture, fitted kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, installations and general home improvements.
Cost of this report
Price based on individual quotation.
