You need to check out the people that you are bringing into your home
Half of homeowners in the UK have been ripped off by a rogue trader or cowboy builder, according to new research.
A shocking one in seven have also been targeted three or more times, reveals the survey from Checkatrade.com.
Conducted amongst 2,00 homeowners, it found taht Londoners are most at risk, with 53 per cent having fallen victim to rogue traders. In Northern Ireland just three in 10 have suffered at the hands of cowboys.
Despite the perception that older people are more likely to be preyed on by unscrupulous traders, the research highlighted that younger people are almost twice as likely to be ripped off as the over 50s.
Two-thirds of 18-24 year olds have already been ripped off at least once and a quarter three or more times. Only a third of over 55s have been regularly targeted.
"This research highlights the sheer scale of the problem we face in 'Rip off Britain'," says Kevin Byrne, founder of Checkatrade.
"Rogue traders perform substandard work for financial gain, a disgraceful and often lethal practice that ruins properties and costs people thousans of pounds every year.
"It is important that we vet and monitor trades companies to protect homeowners and their families from cowboys.
"Checking up on someone is quick, easy and free. It is an essential precaution that helps avoids accidents, disruption and financial loss."
Top Tips from Checkatrade.com to avoid rogue traders
· Watch out for contractors who cold call or doorstep you – ask yourself why they need to.
· Make sure you have adequate contact details for your trader in case things go wrong. In addition to a mobile number you should be looking for a landline number, office address and trade association membership details.
· Reputation is everything. Try to use builders who have been recommended to you by people you trust. Take up references from other satisfied customers who have had similar work done and have a look online.
· Have a look at checkatrade.com for details of tradespeople who have been vetted to a high standard, and had their insurance, qualifications and professional memberships verified, with scores out of ten from customers.
· Take the time to properly brief tradesmen and put it in writing to avoid any confusion. Be as detailed as possible.
· Obtain quotes from at least three contractors and insist on a written quotation or estimate for the work. Keep them all on file in case of any disagreement.
· To avoid costs spiralling, try and get the job done on a fixed-price basis in case the work takes longer than expected.
· Delayed start dates or long drawn out works can have a major knock on effect on any other buildings works so agree a start date and estimated finish date. However, trades can be delayed by factors outside of their control.
· Avoid anyone who specifically asks for cash – it is illegal to ask for cash payments if the trader does not put it through the books and declare it as taxable income. Cash jobs may result in a receipt not being given, without a receipt you will have no come back if things go wrong.
· Be careful about requests for upfront payments – it may imply they have cashflow problems. In our experience traders who ask for upfront payments often do so because they cannot get credit at their local builders’ merchants, which may indicate they are not financially healthy.
· Once you agree terms and before work starts draw up a simple contract, including the work to be done, the price and the timeframe. Any reputable builder will be happy to sign it, you should sign it yourself and have it witnessed and signed by an independent third party.
· Once work has begun, regularly check that works are on schedule and keep talking your contractor to make sure things are on track.
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