How to spot a dodgy tradesman?

Always ask for identification. Ask to see a business card or letterhead for full contact details for the company. Call the business to check it exists and that the contractor does work for them. Request to see proof of qualifications in their trade.

How to check if a tradesman is genuine?

Check with your local council

Trading Standards is a council department that makes sure companies don't break the law when selling to customers. The council might list traders they've approved, or they might link to another website that lists traders in your area you can trust.

How do you spot dodgy tradesmen?

7) How To Spot Dodgy Tradesmen – They Are Able To Start ASAP

This can often mean that they leave your home or garden in a poor state or even worse unfinished. Once they are out of the area it can sometimes be nearly impossible to track them down again. So it's a fine line to tread between being busy and available.

How to deal with dodgy tradesmen?

If a trader hasn't installed something properly

If a trader has done something unsafe, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. They can report the trader to Trading Standards for you. You can also report a dangerous building or structure to your local council online.

How to spot a dodgy builder?

Ask your builder for references from previous customers they have carried out jobs for. A reputable builder will want to showcase their work and how happy their customers are. If they avoid showing you previous work and don't allow you to visit any current projects, then consider this to be a red-flag.

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How not to get ripped off by builders?

How to check if a builder is reputable?

The best way to find a reliable builder is to: Ask for recommendations from friends and family or other reliable tradespeople. Check reviews and ratings online. Look for builders with experience in your area.

How to spot a cowboy roofer?

How long is a tradesman liable for his work?

Most builders offer a defects liability period, usually around 12 months after the work's finished. During this time, they should put right any faults. Some might also include a longer workmanship warranty, although this isn't guaranteed.

Can I report a tradesman to Trading Standards?

You can't usually report the trader to Trading Standards directly - you'll need to contact the Citizens Advice consumer service and they will contact Trading Standards on your behalf.

How to get revenge on a cowboy builder?

How to not get scammed by tradesmen?

Be cautious; if a trader knocks at your door, do not agree to on the spot house repairs without taking advice. Say 'no thank you' and close the door. Be wary of special offers. They will use tactics such as 'I am only in your area today and would need to do the work now'.

What does "cowboy builder" mean?

The word “cowboy builder” originates from cowboys who were known to be reckless and unreliable. A cowboy builder is a builder that possesses no proper training or qualification and delivers low-standard projects.

How to check if a tradesman is insured?

Is there a tradesman blacklist?

With more than 1,000 names recorded in the Tradesmen Blacklist, homeowners are invited to report rogue traders on the portal, so they can be added to the database. Users can search the portal's database of hundreds of convicted tradesmen, as part of their background checks when looking to hire some help.

How to check if a roofer is licensed in the UK online?

Check your tradesman on their website NFRC search engine. Is a company aligned with NFRC but members can self certify their work, providing an all in one service to homeowners. All domestic work carried out carries a 10 year warranty. You can search NFRC site using a postcode or name.

What is the hourly rate for a tradesman?

Our research revealed the average hourly wage of tradespeople in the UK is £31.49 — which is £20 more than the country's National Living Wage for 2024 (£11.44).

What is classed as poor workmanship?

Poor workmanship is any job that's not done to a reasonable standard. This could be due to: A tradesperson using materials that aren't up to the job. Failing to take necessary care or apply necessary skill.

What to do if a tradesman has ripped you off?

Go to the police

Before taking action, make sure you have explored all other ways of resolving a dispute. If your builder is accredited by a trade body, they will have codes of practice and can help resolve problems if things go wrong.

How to spot a dodgy roofer?

How to check a roofer?

How do I check out a roofer?

Check Out Recent Work

Any reputable roofing contractor will be proud of the work they have carried out and will certainly have customers who are 'ambassadors' of the business they can put you in touch with for genuine feedback. Ask them about similar work they may have carried out that you can view.

What questions to ask contractors?

What to do if you have been scammed by a builder?

If you have been scammed by a builder or tradesman, National Fraud Helpline can help you to recover your lost money.

Should you pay a builder a deposit?

Paying a deposit

If the work will take a long time, you might not be able to avoid a deposit. Aim to push it down as much as possible, and don't agree to more than 25%. Always get a receipt for a deposit, as well as receipts for any materials it covers.