For many people finding a suitably qualified tradesman to carry out work in their home is a difficult task. Recommendation from friends or work colleagues is an often used approach. But as every job is different, without some form of qualification to back this up, it may not be enough to ensure a successful job.

Anyone can call themselves an 'expert installer'!

The simple answer to guarantee a good fit, is to use a member of the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF). The NICF was set up with the aim of improving standards of fitting. Over the past few years the NICF hasmade a huge difference in National Vocational Qualifications and in recent years co-founded the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA).

Membership categories include 'Fitter' who have completed a written examination; Accredited Fitter who have had their work assessed on-site as well as taking the exam; but the NICF encourages all its members to upgrade to the gold standard of 'Master Fitter', who have their abilities checked with a practical assessment that is both strict and fair.

In the event that a 'Fitter', 'Accredited Fitter' or 'Master Fitter' needs support, the Institute has a full complement of services that they can draw upon including a complaints procedure that the public also has access to.