Cowboy Builders

How to avoid them

During the summer months you may be tempted to have work done to the outside of your home, either the building itself or in the garden.

However you must be vigilant if you are to avoid becoming another casualty of the ever increasing problem with ‘cowboy builders'.

Elderly people unfortunately seem to be most vulnerable sometimes with disastrous consequences.

Many building companies, both large and small, are very reputable and honest but there appears to be an increasing number of ‘undesirables' entering the trade.

How to avoid problems

If you are approached by someone who says that they have looked at your property and can see that your roof or chimney needs attention don't take them at face value. Unscrupulous traders have even been know to tell people that unless they have the work done immediately an accident could happen and they would be responsible if anyone was hurt.

If someone tells you this always get at least one other opinion from another contractor before agreeing to have any work done.

Also if someone just calls at your house in a van, don't agree to have anything done right away. Ask them for a written quotation on proper headed paper showing an address and telephone number and check it out before any agreement is reached.

Tell them you are going to get at least two other quotations for the work and you will be in touch with them if you want them to do the work.

Don't be bullied into any agreement with them there and then.

If you can, when you are thinking of having work done, choose a contractor who is a member of a professional trade association.

Just because someone uses a trade association logo on their paperwork or vehicle does not mean that they are actually a member; some unscrupulous traders use these logos when they shouldn't. Check with the particular trade association if the company you are thinking of using is a member, and if so, what benefits there are to you.

Once you have decided to have work done and have chosen the contractor you wish to use, the price you agreed with them is the price you pay. If they come to you part way through the work saying that the price has gone up, don't agree to pay more than the agreed amount.

Try to avoid paying money in advance of work being started. If you have no option pay only a small amount and don't pay the balance until you are satisfied that the work has been finished properly.

Before they start any work try and get a date from them when the work will be finished.

If you are alone or elderly and are afraid if a contractor seems to be pestering, you contact the police or contact us.

Hopefully if you follow these simple guidelines you will not end up as another horror story in the newspapers.

For more information about choosing a builder see our leaflet 'Choosing a tradesperson'.

This page was last updated on 22 October 2009