CCAS In this feature consumer assurance home warranties customer redress Building consumer confidence Ivy Hughes explains how the first signatory to a new CTSI consumer code is helping to protect homebuyers C onsumers looking for legitimate home-warranty providers that ensure protections above and beyond those outlined in legislation can now turn to Checkmate. The company is the rst new-home warranty provider in the UK to operate a code of practice under CTSIs Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS). It sponsors the Checkmate Consumer Code for Builders of Homes for Sale the latest addition to the broader CCAS scheme which has 12 sponsors and 31,572 member businesses that voluntarily participate in CTSIs 14 approved codes. All builders and developers who provide a Checkmate warranty policy with their new homes for private sale are now bound by the terms of the code. This offers consumer protection for all aspects of the purchase process of a new property, from initial enquiry to customer service standards after a buyer has moved into their home. Left to right: Christopher Hamer, The Property Ombudsman (TPO), congratulates Ed Woolgar, head of residential lettings for UK Sothebys International Realty, on becoming the 12,000th lettings branch to register with TPO. They are joined by Baroness Christine Crawley, Consumer Codes Approval Scheme chairman, and Gerry Fitzjohn, vice-chairman of the TPO scheme Baroness Christine Crawley of Edgb aston, chairman of the CCAS board, said: We are delighted to welcome the Checkmate Consumer Code for Builders of Homes for Sale into our family of consumer codes, a hallmark for excellent consumer protection and customer service. Not only does the Checkmate code help builders distinguish their services from those of competitors, it gives peace of mind to consumers that, if something goes wrong, they will be dealt with fairly and transparently by businesses under the terms of the code. We want consumers to recognise that a business showing an approved code logo is a business they can trust. CCAS rms agree to adhere to business practices that go beyond the law and help to further ensure consumer protections. They are also required to have a third-party redress scheme, which can rule in the event that the CCAS member and a consumer cannot reach an agreement over a dispute. Checkmate is the rst new-home warranty provider in the UK to operate a CTSI approved code, said Paul Cooper, managing director of Checkmate. Our builder/developer member businesses have welcomed Checkmates code; being part of a market-leading initiative with a CTSIapproved logo is something to be very proud of. Credits Published You might also like Ivy Hughes is a senior communications Thursday 7 May, 2015 In good repair April 2015 executive at CTSI. Images: Tetra Images / Alamy To share this page, click on in the toolbar " ,