Avoiding cowboy builders

Everyone has heard the horror stories about ‘cowboy’ builders and the problems they cause. If you’re considering having some building work done, following a few simple guidelines will reduce the risk of you being ripped off by someone without the required skills.

Start by approaching a number of tradesmen (ask family and friends if they can recommend any whose work they’ve been happy with). Then, before you ask for a quote, get some background information – such as how long they’ve been in business; that they actually do the work you want them to do; what qualifications they have and whether they belong to a trade association (see below); when they’re available to take on the job; and whether they can provide recent references.

In Writing
Obtain at least two, preferably three, quotes from different companies. Always ask for a written, itemised quote, which includes a VAT registration number plus the VAT for the job (if the tradesman is VAT-registered). Make sure the quote covers all the work you want doing and never assume the cheapest is the best – after all, they may have under-quoted just to secure the job. And check how long the quote is valid for.

Once you’ve decided on a company and agreed the quote, you’ll need to discuss payment. Draw up a written agreement detailing the cost, and when and how you will pay. Never pay for the whole job in advance and don’t deal only in cash. If you do have to pay cash, perhaps as a deposit for raw materials, always get a signed receipt. You may be asked to pay at specific stages of the job – if so, the payment should cover the amount of work completed, rather than any future work. And only pay the final amount if you are completely satisfied with the work and confident that it complies with building regulations.

Make sure your written agreement includes when the work is to start and when it will be finished. That way, you will be able to claim compensation should the project not be finished on time. If you do not agree on a timescale, then the work must be completed in a reasonable time.

Trade associations
As mentioned above, always try to use builders or tradesmen who are members of trade associations. Although you will have no guarantees about their work, they should at least be reputable. Trade associations have a code of conduct that members must follow, and they also carry out checks before anyone is allowed to become a member. But beware; just because a tradesman uses an impressive-looking association logo on his advert, he may not be a member. Check by getting in touch with the appropriate association he claims to belong to.

The two most widely used associations are the Federation of Master Builders and the Guild of Master Craftsmen. The first was established over 60 years ago and is the largest trade association in the UK building industry. Visit its website at www.fmb.org.uk for more information. If you’re looking for a professional builder, the association has a search facility at www.findabuilder.co.uk.

The Guild of Master Craftsmen represents many different trades and professions. Its members are encouraged to produce only the highest level of work, and the guild regularly monitors work to ensure its standards are met. If you have a specialist job, such as a roof that needs thatching, and need to find a professional to do the work, visit www.findacraftsman.com – a search facility that will find skilled craftsmen for a job.

There are other smaller associations that cover specific trades, such as roofing or plastering. Search online to find one specific to the work that you need doing.

Check your home insurance
If you’re having building work done that is creating extra room or space in your house or garden, then you should inform your insurer and get your home insurance policy amended to avoid being underinsured.

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