If you have ever needed work on your property, you will know just how complex some tasks really are. That’s why it is imperative to have the right person for the job. This ensures the task is completed correctly and to a good standard. If not, it could lead to problems later on and cost more money to fix, which isn’t ideal. When a tradesman doesn’t do a job properly and often leaves a property in more disarray than originally in, they’re often referred to as a cowboy builder or a rogue trader. No one wants to work with a cowboy builder, so here are a few tips that can help you avoid any interaction with one.
Do your research
Before you have any trader do any work on your home, you must do your research beforehand. If a family member or friend has recommended their services, you might just be in luck as you know they will be a reliable trader who will do the job as described. Unfortunately, not everyone has that luxury and seeking out traders is the most common option. There is a site commonly used amongst traders, which is called Home Advisor. If a trader were to contact you from Home Advisor, it would be incredibly wise not to use them. In most cases, the trader would probably be professional, but there have been numerous HomeAdvisor complaints, so it’s best to steer clear. It’s also not a great site for those legit traders to be using anyway. If someone were to knock at your door and say you need building work, you wouldn’t likely work with them, so don’t do the same for a phone call. For Home Advisor to build their portfolio of pros, professionals should have to go through rigorous testing to ensure they’re legit, but that doesn’t happen. Home Advisor cares more about lining their pockets than finding a suitable match between homeowners and builders. That’s why it’s best to seek your own independent builder.
To find a builder, do an online search or flick through the yellow pages for precisely what you want. When you find a builder, check their website and social platforms. Also, look for any reviews that have been written too. You can use independent review sites for this or scour Google reviews. This provides a better insight into what a builder can offer and if they can do so adequately. You can also ask a builder for any qualifications they may have as well as insurance. A professional builder will have these, and a rogue builder will not.
Don’t pay in full up front
There are some instances where a builder may ask for payment upfront but don’t. Although the request may be harmless, some rogue traders will ask for the payment in full upfront and then run away with your money, leaving you out of pocket and still needing a renovation. To avoid this, ensure your traders give you a full breakdown of an invoice detailing every expense. You will likely have to provide some payment to show the trader that you’re going to pay for their services, but never should you pay in full. Once the work has been completed and you’re satisfied with the completion, you can pay the remaining balance.
Off the books trading
No professional trader will complete any job without a record of it. A signed contract or invoice clearly highlights what job is to be completed and its cost. These documents can be amended during the construction process, but it’s still clear what’s expected. This documentation is designed to protect both client and trader as everyone knows where they stand. If any trader asks to complete a job off the books, or even for the whole sum of money to be in cash, they’re likely going to be a rogue trader. Someone who asks to work off-books may not even be a registered business, meaning they have no right even being a builder. A rogue builder can pocket the cash for themselves and not pay any business fees or the tax man by doing a job off the books. This shows how unreliable a rogue trader is, and if they can avoid taxes, which is illegal, they’ll likely take money from you too.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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