Don't become a victim of cowboy builders.
By far the best way to avoid a botched job on your home is to
identify a cowboy builder before they even begin their "work".
Being cautious at this point will save days, weeks, maybe even
years of distress and misery in the future.
By following these simple steps you should be able to protect
yourself from the cowboy traders.
Be specific and set out a detailed, clear brief when
requesting quotes.
Any reputable tradesman will provide clear estimations and
costs, as well as a time frame, for each stage of the project.
Cowboy builders will usually come up with an estimate from the top
of their head and not be able to provide a specific breakdown of
the figure.
Never make any advance payments. Only pay for work that
has been done.
It's a common ruse for rogue traders to ask for cash up-front;
leaving you exposed and out of pocket if something goes wrong. They
may also request to be paid for the job cash-in-hand with a promise
of no VAT. No legitimate business would work like this.
Ask friends and family for a recommendation and check
the TrustMark website to ensure that the tradesman is registered
for the particular trades you require.
TrustMark is a government-supported, non-profit scheme that
protects the public from cowboy builders and helps promote
reputable ones by making available a register of independently
assessed building firms.
Use a firm that advertises using a landline phone number
and be very wary of those only willing to give you a mobile
number.
A trader that appears to be conducting their entire business
from the back of a van should set alarm bells ringing.
It helps if the firm is a member of a trade
group
For example the National Federation of Builders, the House
Builders Federation or the Construction Confederation. But check
with the relevant trade group to see if that membership is
legitimate as cowboy builders are known to falsely claim to be part
of trade groups to boost their credentials.
Seek at least three references, speak to previous
customers and if a reasonable sized job, visit previous
jobs.
Don't just go with the cheapest option; consider your
ability to communicate with the firm and the quality of their
work.
Cowboy builders will commonly make a cheap quote but then charge
extra for other vital work such as electrics, plastering, doors
etc.
Ensure that a written contract is signed by both
parties. This will give you legal protection if anything goes
wrong. Without one you won't have much of a leg to stand on
legally.
Agree in writing any changes to the agreed contract
value and ensure these are agreed in writing before the work is
done.
Contact your local council's Building Control
department.
You can arrange for them to come and inspect the plans for your
building work to make sure everything is complying to code before
building commences. They can also make checks during the work.
If you follow these steps you will be very unlucky if you still
find yourself with a cowboy builder. However, rogue traders such as
these are becoming ever more devious and will do anything to trick
innocent people out of £1000s.
How to
complain about cowboy builders.
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