FINDING a great tradesperson isn’t always easy – and some are so in demand that they have waiting lists months long.
But even if you’re desperate for work to get started straight away, you need to make sure you’re choosing the right person for the job.
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Most of us have heard horror stories of cowboy builders who have run off with the cash before doing any work, or left homeowners with damage or shoddy work that costs thousands to put right.
Some 7,809 cases of people being defrauded by doorstep sellers and bogus tradespeople were reported to Trading Standards between April 2020 and March 2021.
Research by Nationwide found that almost half of people know someone who has had work done on their property that was so poor it required redoing afterwards.
But how to find a good tradesperson?
Some 46% of people surveyed by Nationwide said they look at online directories, and 43% scan social media.
Mike Fairman is chief executive of Checkatrade, a website which provides a director of vetted and recommended tradespeople.
He reveals four red flags for spotting a rogue trader:
They’re available immediately
Builders and tradespeople are in demand at the moment, so be wary of anyone who can start work straight away.
Of course, there might be legitimate reason for this – perhaps they had another job fall through – but it’s worth asking some questions.
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Mike said: “Some unverified tradespeople will take advantage of busy periods or moments of crisis such as after extreme weather.”
A rogue trader might capitalise on the fact that you’re desperate for your roof to be retiled after a storm, for example, or for your garden to be landscaped in time for summer.
Mike added: “Read reviews and ensure the person is vetted and qualified to carry out the work you need done.”
Look for reviews which include pictures so you can see the quality of the work – many tradespeople will have a website or portfolio where you can see examples of their work.
Websites such as Which? and Checkatrade can help you find reputable traders, but you should still do your own research too.
They’re VERY cheap
The saying “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is” applies to work on your home.
If one tradesperson comes in with a quote that’s significantly cheaper than all the others, you should be wary.
Mike said: “The cheapest quote is usually only cheaper because the work is rush and corners have been cut.”
He warned that cheap work can’t always be rectified too – and it could cost you more in the long-term to repair the damage.
When getting any work done, get a few quotes to give you an idea of the sort of price you can expect to pay.
Online cost guides can also help to provide an overview of the amount that various types of work might typically cost – although the actual price will depend on what exactly you need.
They’re asking you to pay upfront
A tradesperson should never ask you to pay the full amount upfront.
Typically you’ll pay in instalments, keeping the final chunk of money until the work has been completed and you have confirmed that you are satisfied.
Mike said: “Get a detailed written quote that includes T&Cs and states exactly what is and isn’t covered.”
Be sure to get a receipt for every payment you make, and pay using a secure method where there is a log of the transaction, rather than handing over cash.
A company which doesn’t provide paperwork or give written quotes, and which asks to be paid in cash should be red flags.
They’ve knocked on the front door
While it’s not unusual to get a leaflet through the door advertising work, you should never feel pressured into committing to any works by someone who has turned up uninvited on your doorstep.
Yet recent research by Nationwide found that almost half of households have had someone knock on their door offering to do work.
Mike said a reputable tradesperson would NEVER canvas work by knocking on doors – they’ll be so in demand they don’t need to.
He said: “Checkatrade has a zero tolerance of any member found to be canvassing door-to-door.
“You should never be pressured into having work done by someone who knocks on your door.”
Instead, a better way to find a decent tradesperson is through recommendations from friends, family and colleagues.
You could also join local forums and social media groups to get recommendations, and be sure to read reviews.
What if I’ve been caught by a rogue trader?
If you’re worried you’ve been caught out by a cowboy builder, it’s important to take action as soon as possible said Mike.
A trader or the company should be registered for a relevant accredited trade body (if they’re not, avoid them) – you can report them to this organisation if you believe they haven’t met professional standards.
Which? recommends choosing tradespeople who are signed up to an Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) scheme, which helps disputes get solved without going to court.
You can report the tradesperson or company to Action Fraud or, if appropriate, to the police. They will be able to advise you on what to do next and offer support.
Report the company to Trading Standards, which may decide to investigate or use your evidence to take action against the business in the future.
Organisations such as Citizens Advice can also provide support and guidance.
