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The FMB is warning homeowners who have experienced damage to their property after this week's storms and floods to check the credentials of the builders they employ to carry out repairs.
The FMB is concerned that the bad weather will bring out rogue builders preying on the homeowners desperate to get their property repaired.
Richard Diment, FMB director general said: "Many people will be in a hurry to repair damage resulting from storms and flooding but we would urge the public to make sure they are employing a reputable builder to carry out the work. Rogue builders will be preying on unsuspecting and sometimes desperate people who need to fix their homes quickly. These builders are often incompetent and may even leave the job incomplete after asking for payments upfront in cash before they start the work."
The FMB offers a free service to homeowners looking for a reputable local builder. The Find A Builder service can be accessed at www.findabuilder.co.uk or by calling the FMB on 08000 152 522. Alternatively, look for builders displaying the FMB logo - and if in doubt, call the FMB to make sure they really are a member or use their online Check A Member service.
Don't choose a builder without following these simple guidelines from the FMB:
- Never employ someone who knocks at your door asking for work or suggesting that work needs to be done.
- Ask for references and names of previous clients. Speak to them and look at the work if possible.
- Avoid dealing in cash and never pay in full up front.
- Get estimates from two or three different builders.
- Ask for work to be covered by an insurance backed warranty, such as the FMB's MasterBond Warranty.
- Be very clear about what you want done and for a written specification and quotation.
- Use a contract - the FMB has free simple forms of contract for small building work available for download.
- Agree any staged and final payments before work starts.
- Avoid adding to the job or changing your mind halfway through - it will usually cost more and cause delays. Confirm any changes you make in writing.
First posted: 26 June 2007. Last modified: 26 June 2007
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