WHO WE ARE

What is
HICS?

The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Scheme (HICS) is a consumer protection organisation covering the installation of home improvement products.

How does HICS protect consumers?

All installers must meet our accreditation process before they can become a member. Once approved, they will be subject to monitoring.

Consumers using one of our accredited members can benefit from our free advice line, access to our Chartered Trading Standards Institute approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service, access to an Ombudsman, free independent inspections when deemed necessary by the mediator, deposit and stage payment protection insurance up to 25% of contract value, maximum £5,000 for a period of 120 days from the date the contract is signed (no protection is in place until we have written to the consumer and confirmed the cover), and an insurance backed guarantee (IBG) which provides protection if the installer ceases (stops) trading and cannot honour the terms of their written guarantee. IBGs range from two to ten years and the length of the IBG received may be different from the length of the written guarantee provided by the member. Consumers will receive an IBG once the member has added in a date on our system to show when they completed the installation.

Our Brand Ambassador

George Clarke, architect, TV presenter and home improvement champion, continues as a passionate consumer advocate and Brand Ambassador of HICS. Widely known for his work on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year and Old House New Home, George joined the scheme in 2019 as an ardent supporter of high standards in the home improvement and renewable energy industries and protecting and educating consumers.

The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Scheme (HICS) is a leading consumer protection organisation that gives consumers confidence when choosing accredited installers for their home improvement project.

How does HICS protect consumers?

HICS is designed to ensure that traders operate to a high standard.

Whether you are an installer providing home improvement services or a customer looking to obtain a quote for home improvements such as kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, double glazing, conservatories, solar panels, renewable energy products and most types of home improvements, you should contact HICS for more information.

The protection offered by HICS, which includes comprehensive insurance backed guarantees and first class mediation services, ensures consumers are protected before, during and after their installation.

This level of protection helps provide consumers with the trust, confidence and peace of mind that their installation will be carried out by a vetted installer; and that HICS’ expert mediation team can assist to help resolve any disputes should any problems arise.

HICS is approved by Government under the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015.

Our Brand Ambassador

George Clarke, architect, TV presenter and home improvement champion, continues as a passionate consumer advocate and Brand Ambassador of HICS. Widely known for his recent work on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year and Old House New Home, George joined HICS in 2019 as an ardent supporter of high standards in the home improvement industry and protecting and educating consumers.