Neutral checklist: this page does not assess a trader or interpret a particular contract. For a dispute or legal question, use current CCPC guidance and obtain appropriate advice.
1. Trader and scope
- Record the trader’s legal name, trading name, address and contact details.
- Keep a dated description of the requested work, drawings or specification supplied for pricing.
- Store reference checks and any previous-project material separately from the agreed contract.
2. Quote and written agreement
- Keep the written quote and identify what is included, excluded and subject to later confirmation.
- Record the total price or the stated method for calculating it, including how taxes are presented.
- Save the signed contract and attachments as one frozen package.
3. Changes and payments
- Do not overwrite the original scope when a change is proposed.
- Keep each authorised variation with its description and effect on the written agreement.
- Match deposits and later payments to invoices or receipts, and retain proof of payment.
4. Delivery, completion and issues
- Keep dated progress communications and photographs in a project folder.
- Record handover material, product information, warranties and the agreed completion record.
- If an issue arises, describe it in writing and retain the trader’s response and any proposed remedy.
Official starting points, checked 25 July 2026:
CCPC: 2026 home-improvement consumer guidance
CCPC: Consumer Rights Act 2022 service-contract guidance
CCPC: Consumer Remedies in Service Contracts (PDF)
CCPC: 2026 home-improvement consumer guidance
CCPC: Consumer Rights Act 2022 service-contract guidance
CCPC: Consumer Remedies in Service Contracts (PDF)