How to avoid rogue traders
Rogue traders tend to target elderly, isolated or vulnerable people to carry out overpriced, sub-standard and sometimes needless roofing, landscaping and other home maintenance work.
Some have started to use social media and glossy websites to promote themselves, meaning anyone can get caught out.
If a trader’s details are on a third-party listings website this does not always guarantee the quality of their work.
The Buy With Confidence scheme, which is run by a partnership of around 50 local authorities, lets you search for a Trading Standards approved trader by postcode.
Warning signs
Rogue traders like to use aggressive sales tactics and doorstep cold calling.
Their victims can face issues such as:
- mid-contract price rises
- false and misleading statements which often lead to more work
- failure to provide required paperwork, including notice of your 14-day cancellation rights
- failure to supply materials that have been paid for
- poor quality materials or work
- work unfinished or not started
Tips to protect yourself
The best way to protect yourself is to make sure you find a reliable and reputable builder if you are planning any work.
Never employ anyone who cold calls at your home, and never pay for anything upfront.
Reputable builders do not ask for large deposits or cash payments in advance – they may ask you to pay in stages for larger jobs, but you should never pay for work that has not been done or materials that have not been delivered to you.
When planning home improvements such as loft conversions, extensions and landscaping:
- get recommendations from people you know and trust
- get at least 3 quotes
- do your background research on potential companies
- investigate professional memberships that they claim to have
- verify any reviews and references, including ones from approved trader schemes
- ask to visit a previous customer to see the quality of work
- check what planning and building regulations are needed
- get everything in writing including a proper contract, specification of the work, payment schedule and information about your cooling off or cancellation rights
- be prepared to wait – a good builder will be busy and is likely to have a waiting list
Further information and help
To find more information and advice about rogue traders including rogue builders, read our Be in the know about rogue traders leaflet.
You can also visit the Trading Standards South West website.
Watch our videos about rogue traders (on YouTube):
If you do fall victim, find out how to report a rogue trader on our Consumer advice page.