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A house-of-horrors style sting set up by Trading Standards officers that found nearly one in four of the tradesmen called in carried out substandard work highlights the need for homeowners to check the credentials of workmen before allowing them to undertake work on their property, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
As a result of the Trading Standards' sting, ten traders now face criminal prosecution for dangerous work or stringing jobs out for extra pay.
The FMB welcomes the action taken to expose rogue traders who give hardworking builders and tradespeople a bad name. Independent research recently carried out for the FMB shows that the vast majority of homeowners (over 80%) experience no problems and are pleased with their builders' work.
Said FMB Director General, Ian Davis:
"While there are undoubtedly some rogues out there, most builders want to do a good job and we would advise homeowners to be careful in areas where they can come unstuck, such as not agreeing with their builder the extent of the work to be done, looking for cheap deals by paying in cash to avoid paying VAT and not taking up references or checking out a builder through a trade association."
The FMB, which offers a database of 13,000 vetted builders, works with Trading Standards officers throughout the country to help improve the protection for householders against rogues and criminals masquerading as professional traders. You can find a vetted builder in your area by logging onto www.findabuilder.co.uk or freephone 08000 152522.
Follow the FMB's tips on finding a reputable tradesman
- Ask for references and names of previous clients. Speak to them and take a look at previous work, if possible.
- Make sure the builder has an office address, telephone number (not mobile) and uses headed notepaper. If VAT is being charged, make sure there is a VAT number shown.
- If the builder is a member of a trade association, check the membership criteria - and make sure they really are a member, rogue builders have been known to falsely claim membership.
- Get estimates from two or three different builders. Be clear about what you want done and ask for a written specification and quotation.
- Avoid adding to the job or changing your mind halfway through - it will usually cost more and cause delays. Confirm any changes you do make in writing.
- Use a contract - the FMB has a Plain English contract for small building work.
- Agree any staged and final payments before work starts.
- Avoid dealing in cash.
- If any problems arise whilst work is in progress, or you are unhappy about anything, talk to your builder right away.
- For added peace of mind, take out an insurance-backed warranty such as FMB's MasterBond, which covers the work for up to 10 years.
First posted: 23 January 2004. Last modified: 23 January 2004.
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