Alan Bird Solicitors

Is it an Estimate or Quotation for your work! Is the Vat Number correct?

admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:01:25 +0000

Alan often finds clients do not understand the difference between en estimate or
quotation from a tradesman. An estimate is a non-fixed price; its can change: the
tradesman can charge you more than you originally expected or even agreed!

It is a legal requirement for the tradesman to first inform you, as soon as possible,
if he is likely to exceed his original estimate of charges and well before the end of
your job: the tradesman cannot, therefore, exceed his/her estimate and then charge
you more!

A quotation is a fixed price; by a quotation, the tradesman has agreed to charge you
no more and for such a price, whether the job costs him more or less to finish, that does not concern you; it is his problem! Pay him the fixed price only.

However, always carefully check your proposed contract or the tradesman’s terms of business with the trade person before you ask him to do any work for you.

Also, when you receive a bill from the tradesman for any work check the bill has a valid vat number if the tradesman claims to be vat registered; anyone can type a series of numbers to represent an official vat number to mislead you!

If the trademan’s bill does not mention a valid vat number or even what he claims is a valid vat number at all and he still charges you, for example, “£3,200 plus v.a.t” do not pay him v.a.t of £480, which is the vat on £3,200 at 15%: if you do, the total you have just paid him would be £3,760!

The tradesman has just deceived you of £560!

Check that the tradesman’s vat number is valid; use Alan’s v.a.t number on this website as an example.

1. The first seven numbers of the V.A.T registration number are listed vertically. Alan’s number is
843958190
2. Each number is multiplied by a number starting with 8 and decreasing to 2.
3. The sum total is calculated.
4. 97 is subtracted from the sum as many times as is necessary to arrive at a negative number.
5. The negative number should be the same as the last 2 numbers of the V.A.T registration number if it is a valid v.a.t number

Example

V.A.T registration number 843958190
8 x 8 = 64
4 x 7 = 28
3 x 6 = 18
9 x 5 = 45
5 x 4 = 20
8 x 3 = 24
1 x 2 = 02

Total = 201

201 - 97 -97 -97 = - 90

Alan’s V.A.T. number is 843958190

As the negative number - 90 is the same as the last two numbers of Alan’s firm’s v.a.t number, Alan’s v.a.t number is valid.

Replacement Windows & Doors to your Home!

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:38:34 +0000

Have you replaced your windows and doors with new upvc window-frames & glass. Did you know you need, before such work starts, building regulation consent from your local authority’s Building Control Department if your window fitter was not FENSA registered? You may experience difficulties and delays in a later “sale” of your home without either building regulation consent or a FENSA certificate for such work. If in doubt, speak with Alan…..and resolve the problem now and not during the sale of your home! Look for a link under my above Link Category dropdown list for the FENSA website for more information

Periodic Inspection and Testing of your Home Electrics!

admin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:04:56 +0000

For building insurance purposes, you might find that without an Electrical Inspection
Certificate you cannot make a valid insurance claim because such damage was caused
by a so-called electrician who did not have his/her Part P Accreditation.

If you are selling your home or flat, make sure you have a valid electrical inspection
certificate, which will last for 10 years for a domestic property. It will help you in the
sale of your home.

If, for example, you have had a new electrical circuit (for an electric shower or an
outside garden electrical point) or a fuse box changed or other new circuit installed,
you must have an installation certificate or your property insurance will be void in
the event of a claim for damage cause by faulty electrical work!

If you are in any doubt, speak with Alan and Alan can recommend a Part P Accredited
electrician; for example, call Robin Wishart of Data Main Services - Electrical Contractors
- on 01707-274-590 for advice.

Call Alan on 0208 447 4910

Selling Your House or Flat!

admin — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:52:07 +0000

If you wish to easily sell your home, and have undertaken any building work to it, did you
get (if required) planning permission, building regulation consent and a completion certificate
from the local authority for such building work? If not, your sale could be delayed and any
related purchase of a new home could also be delayed if not prejudiced? Some building work
falls within “permitted development” works which does not require planning permission. If you
are selling a flat, did you get your lessor’s consent for any such work! If you do not know if
your papers are in order, speak with Alan - before you try and sell your home!

Call Alan on 0208 447 4910

The Elderly

admin — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:33:25 +0000

The elderly are very vulnerable individuals in our society: if you know of such a person refer
them to Alan Bird especially if a “friend” or a “neighbour” is caring for them whom you suspect:
the law can protect such elderly individuals either by a Lasting Power of Attorney or an
Application for a Receivership Order from the Public Guardianship Office. Don’t wait until it is
too late to help!

Call Alan 0208 447 4910

Loans to Friends or Family

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:32:05 +0000

Have you ever been asked by a friend or a family member to make them a loan of
money? If so, beware!

If such a sum was intended as a loan you expect it to be repaid to you and you should
treat it as a business loan and not a gift: if you gave the money and do not expect it
to be repaid, it is a gift of money; you do not need to read the rest of this advice!

If you expect the money to be repaid, did your borrower sign a promissory note or
other loan agreement? If not you are in trouble - with the Courts – when you expect
a court to help you! Do you know what is a promissory note and its purpose?

If you want the money repaid, take legal advice NOW and before the loan is made;
call Alan – before it is too late! Without legal advice, you may never get the money
back!

If you are in doubt, and as an established client of Alan’s firm, you can call Alan
and he will discuss and resolve any such problem.

Call Alan on 0208 447 4910.

Wills

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:31:06 +0000

Have you made one!

If you are married, do not assume your surviving wife will inherit all your wealth to maintain herself and the children.

Without a Will solely in her favour, your children may be entitled to part of your estate at 18 years! If you make no Will, you will also increase the legal fees your wife must pay to sort out your estate and the problems caused because you did not make a Will at a relatively small price in comparison!

If you are in business, on your death, your personal representatives (PRs) cannot continue running your business until they can sell it for the best price: the PRs cannot use your wealth to employ a manager!

Would like to know why?

Call Alan on 0208 447 4910.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:29:53 +0000

If you fall mentally ill, whether you are married or not, and you cannot personally handle
your wealth and legal matters, your relations only have two options:

Receivership, which is very expensive; or, in comparison
A Lasting Power of Attorney, which is inexpensive.

Would you like to know more?

Call Alan on 0208 447 4910.

Transferable Nil-Rate Band: Saving Inheritance tax!

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:28:12 +0000

You may have read or heard of this. A transferable nil-rate band to
Inheritance Tax (TNRB)

Up to a value of £325,000 everyone can leave his/her estate to whom they wish free
of inheritance tax: above £325,000, inheritance tax is paid at 40% on the sum above
£325,000. In other words, above £325,000 and for every £10 you leave, the Government
takes £4 of your money!

If you were married, and you received your late spouse’s estate, it is likely your estate
is now worth more than £325,000: on your death the Government take very £4 of your
money!

If you have children, to whom you wish to leave your estate on your death, it is likely
(you may say) that you must pay inheritance tax?

No, is Alan’s answer; the late spouse’s TNRB to inheritance tax may mean you can leave
100% of your net estate to your children! Your children would then receive £10 of every
£10 you leave them! This is good news!

But do you have all your late spouse’s papers in order to help your children claim the
TNRB on your death! The Government will not help your children claim the TNRB!

Do you want to know more?

Call Alan on 0208 447 4910.