Warning to be alert to rogue builders
Trading Standards officers are urging people to be on the alert for rogue builders.
The advice follows an increase in complaints to the city’s Trading Standards team about unscrupulous traders.
With mortgage interest rates set to rise, the team is concerned more people could get caught out by rogue builders and contractors if they are planning home improvements, such as roof conversions, extensions, and landscaping, instead of moving house.
Trading Standards warn that engaging trades people who are not fully qualified and insured, and who may be incompetent, can leave consumers devastated with hefty financial losses – and the prospect of their home being left in an unacceptable or potentially dangerous condition.
Nationally, Trading Standards services estimate that unscrupulous traders and scammers have cost consumers and homeowners around £3.5 billion every year.
Complaints range from work costing hundreds of pounds to larger projects costing many thousands.
Examples include cases where there has been a knock at the door ‘advising’ a homeowner of a loose tile which they are told can be fixed for a few pounds. This has then spiralled to the homeowner being told more problems have been found and a whole new roof is needed at costs of £80,000 to £150,000 – even when the existing roof is perfectly sound.
An indicator of rogue trading may be a lack of paperwork and demands for immediate payment in cash - both make investigating and bringing perpetrators to justice extremely difficult.
While Trading Standards will make every effort to investigate complaints, even if a successful prosecution is undertaken there are no guarantees that the money paid can be returned.
Don’t get caught out
Follow these simple but important steps:
Never employ anyone who cold calls at your home and be wary if they can start immediately, as the building trades are extremely busy at present. If unsure, call the police.
Make sure you get details of reliable accredited builders from approved trader schemes, for example the Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme.
Always get written proof of what you and your builder have agreed to in the form of a contract, including:
- Payments in stages - never pay all the money up front. It's also best to avoid paying in cash or by bankers draft as you likely to not have any financial protection.
- A cancellation notice.
- Check there is appropriate insurance.
- Time scale for the work to be completed.
If they display logos which indicate accreditation to a trade organisation, such as the Federation of Master Builders or Trust Mark, check with the organisation that they are actually accredited. If any gas or electrical works are involved, check they are registered with Gas Safe and NICEIC
Also, when planning a project, check with the Building Control and planning departments regarding building regulations and planning permission. Some consumers assume their builder or architect are dealing with this, but this is the homeowners’ responsibility.
Councillor Zoe John, chair of the Licensing Committee, said: “There are a lot of very good, reputable builders in the city. But we are concerned about reports of rogue operators targeting residents, and this could increase if more people carry out home improvements rather than moving.
“There is no mandatory licensing scheme for general builders in the UK and between January 2021 and September this year our Trading Standards team received more than 260 complaints relating to home improvements, involving sums ranging from £5,000 to £250,000.
“However, we think this is probably the tip of the iceberg as there are likely to be many incidences that have not been brought to our attention. Elderly and vulnerable consumers may be reluctant to report problems, and the matter may only come to light when another member of the family or friends become involved.
“Our message is to always make sure you are dealing with a reputable builder and get details confirmed in writing, before making any payment.”
More information and guidance
For further advice or assistance, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service online or call on 03454 04 05 06 or 0808 223 1133. This information will be then be referred to Trading Standards.
