You might have seen ‘cowboy builders’ exposed on TV. Or someone you might know has fallen victim to one themselves.
So, when it comes to booking a tradesperson to do some work on your home, how do you know if they’re the real deal or not?
We share our advice on spotting a rogue trader and what to do if you’ve been scammed.
What is a rogue trader/cowboy builder?
You’ve probably heard of the term cowboy builder, and that’s exactly what a rogue trader is too.
They're someone who scams people by carrying out poor, unfinished or unnecessary work in their home.
They might not even have the qualifications to do the work, but they use other skills to fool you.
How to do rogue trader scams work?
Rogue traders pretend to offer good work and repairs. They often turn up uninvited and convince you that you need work doing to your home.
What are the warning signs I’m dealing with a cowboy builder?
There are lots of ways that rogue traders can scam you. Here are some of the signs you might be dealing with one
They use door-to-door tactics
Sometimes, a tradesperson might knock on your door if they’re doing work in the area. But most of the time, reputable builders won’t knock on your door looking for work.
They’re cheap
A rogue trader might give you a price that’s unbelievably cheap compared to other quotes you’ve had. If they give you cheap quote, ask yourself if it’s too good to be true.
They ask for payment upfront
A builder might not be legit if they ask for a big payment before they complete the work.
A genuine tradesperson won’t ask for all the money upfront, as they usually have enough cashflow to pay for the materials they need.
You’ll probably pay a deposit, and then they’ll ask you for the full amount once you’re happy with the work.
They pressure you into making a decision
Cowboy builders tend to be pushy. They want you to make a quick decision on the spot so they can secure the work and most importantly, your money.
They’re not a registered company
A reputable trader would have a registered company with Companies House. You can use the Companies House website to find that information.
You can also use platforms like TrustMark and Checkatrade. To become a member of a service like Checkatrade, they’ll have gone through several checks. You can use it to see their profile and read customer reviews.
You can use platforms like this to find legit tradespeople, but you should still do your own research.
The jobs keep getting bigger
A common tactic cowboy builders use is making more work for themselves.
Once they’ve started the work, they’ll convince you that more needs doing. That way, they can charge you even more.
How do I protect myself against a rogue trader?
We know the idea of being conned out of your money is scary – especially when it comes to something as precious as your home. Here are some ways you can protect yourself against rogue traders.
Don’t be afraid to say no
Some rogue traders might come to your house or try and convince you that more work needs doing. But you don’t have to agree to it.
If your builder says you need more work done, talk to friends and family members to see what they think too. It’s always best to get a second opinion before you agree to anything straight away.
Get other quotes to gauge cost
Don’t accept the first quote you get. Shop around to get an idea of how much the work should cost.
That way you can see what the average is and figure out if you’re dealing with a dodgy builder.
Ask for examples of past work
Ask to see what other work the builder has done, so you can check the quality and if they’re capable of doing it.
Get a written contract
It’s super important to set up a contract between you and the builder. Get the quote, payment details and dates, and the agreed work in writing. Make sure you both sign it!
Also, get copies of invoices or receipts for payments made to them, like the deposit.
Get their contact details
Make sure you get their address and phone number, so you can track them down and their insurance details if you need to.
A reputable builder will have public liability insurance to cover any property damage or injuries caused by their work. It’s a red flag if they don’t have it.
Take before photos
Take photos of the area before any work starts. That means you’ll have evidence if anything goes wrong.
What do I do if I’m a victim of a cowboy builder?
If you think it’s too late and you’ve been scammed by a cowboy builder, here’s what to do next.
Take after photos of the work
If you’re not happy with the work, take photos so you have evidence. It’s really helpful to take ‘before’ pictures too!
Save all communications between you and the builder
Make sure you document everything between you and the builder. You can use texts, calls, WhatsApp messages, emails and paperwork as evidence if you need to report them.
Report your builder
The first step is to report them to the police and Action Fraud if you’ve been scammed.
Then, report them to Trading Standards so they can help you negotiate a settlement with your builder.
You can also contact the consumer service at Citizens Advice for advice on what to do next.
Can I get my money back?
You might be able to get your money back if you’ve been scammed by a rogue trader.
The first step is to contact the builder to resolve the issue. But if that doesn’t work, you can take legal action.
You’ll need to make a claim against them. You can do this without a lawyer by making a claim in a small claims court. You’ll need the builder’s address and evidence to make your claim.
Citizens Advice has lots of helpful advice and support to help you get your money back.
Am I covered by home insurance?
Admiral Home Insurance doesn’t cover poor workmanship, installation or design. That means we won’t cover poor quality work by cowboy builders.
While we don’t cover shoddy work, your policy might cover unexpected damage caused by it. For example, if a bad plumbing job causes a pipe to burst or a flood in your home.
If you decide to make a claim in a small claims court, you might be able to claim back legal costs if you have Family Legal Protection. It’s included on our Platinum home insurance, or you can buy it as an add-on on other levels of cover.
Check your policy book to see what you are and aren’t covered for.
