A new online course from APHC will give installers the opportunity to learn about the different types of business contracts, to help them prevent any disputes with their customers.

A number of installers have experienced issues with customers over a number of years, whether that be failing to be paid on time, or customers who complain that the work carried out was not what they wanted to be done.

The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) believes that its new Understanding Basic Contracts course may be the answer to this common problem.

It provides installers with the opportunity to learn about the different contract types, so that they have a full awareness of the present consumer rights legislation and the resulting impact on their business.

The course will show installers how to make sure that they issue the right contract type to their customers, whether it be on or off premises, a repair or maintenance contract or a business contract. It also explains the importance of obtaining a signed contract from the customer prior to the work commencing.

Not having the correct authorised paperwork in place between installers and their customers is a common mistake that can cause problems if issues arise during, or after, the work is carried out. However, APHC’s Understanding Basic Contracts course will show installers how to use contracts to make sure that they stay on the right side of the law and get paid on time.

The course will also cover areas including the components of a contract: notifications, exclusions, variations, estimates, quotations, completion and handover.

The online course costs £25 + VAT for APHC members, or £35 + VAT for non-members. After successful completion of the course, installers will receive a printable APHC certificate.

The course is being run through APHC’s new Online Learning Centre, which offers bite-size courses tailored specifically for the plumbing and heating industry.