How do I make sure I am covered and defend a future maintenance claim?

The simple answer is to be very diligent and keep excellent records, preferably on computer so they can be chronologically accessed. Ensure that all communications are date and time stamped.

Check that all your contractors are using the same line of communication and not changing to texts or phone calls which are harder to record into a central database.

You also need to know that your contractor is legally allowed to work. There are two basic questions to ask. Firstly, are the correct insurances in place and are they valid and not out of date? Secondly, are the correct qualifications and certifications valid and is the contractor competent to undertake the job required – the right person for the right job!

Checking a contractor`s credentials, should be a fairly easy task by looking up the relevant register on line.