More than 200 complaints about rogue builders have been made to trading standards officers in the past year, with victims left more than £1 million out of pocket.
Brighton and Hove City Council said that the sums involved in individual complaints to its trading standards team had been as much as £250,000
The council issued a warning to beware of rogue builders and contractors as demand grows for home improvements, roof conversions, extensions and landscaping.
It said: “The number of complaints regarding home improvements received has been escalating to an exceedingly worrying level, with over 200 complaints received during the past year, involving sums ranging from £5,000 to £250,000.
“Nationally, trading standards services estimate that unscrupulous traders have cost homeowners around £3.5 billion every year.
“To attempt to investigate rogue builders and contractors can be very difficult, especially when there are no documents or paperwork provided and consumers have paid by cash.
“Engaging with traders who are not fully qualified, insured and competent may leave consumers with not only devasting financial losses but also leave their homes in an unacceptable and potentially dangerous condition.
“Actual figures relating to reviewed cases show that a simple knock at the door ‘advising’ the homeowner there is a loose tile on their roof, which they say can be fixed for a few pounds, can and does spiral to a new roof – the existing roof being perfectly sound – at costs of £80,000 to £150,000.
“As long as consumers continue to engage with exploitative traders, they will continue trying to scam and defraud their customers.
“As there is no national registration scheme in the UK, anyone can be a general builder.
“It is therefore very important to stay vigilant and follow these simple but important steps.
“Never employ anyone who cold calls at your home and be wary if they can start immediately. If you at any point feel unsure, call the police.
“Make sure you get details of reliable accredited builders from approved trader schemes, for example, the Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme.
“Ensure the scheme you use carries out audits and vets the businesses that are signed up to their platforms.
“Always get written proof of what you and your builder have agreed to in the form of a contract, including a time scale for the work to be completed.”
The council said that people should make payments in stages, adding: “Never pay all the money up front. It’s also best to avoid paying in cash or by banker’s draft as you get no financial protection.”
It recommended that any agreement should income a cancellation notice and advised potential customers to check for appropriate insurance.
The council added: “Check with the building control and planning departments regarding building regulations and planning permission as some consumers assume their builder or architect are dealing with this.”
Councillor Leslie Pumm, who chairs the Equalities, Community Safety and Human Rights Committee, said: “There are a lot of very good reputable builders in the city.
“But we are concerned about reports of rogue operators targeting residents including the elderly and vulnerable.
“Such exploitative practices cause unnecessary distress and financial strain on consumers and often cause more issues than they fix.
“We ask everyone to always make sure you are dealing with a reputable builder and get details confirmed in writing before making any payment.
“If you feel like you were a victim of a rogue builder, do not hesitate to contact Citizens Advice and spread the word among your friends and neighbours to ensure it won’t be easy for them to find more business.”
To contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice or assistance, call 03454 040506 or 0808 223 1133. This information will then be passed on to trading standards.
Why can’t we contact Trading Standards directly? Building Control staff are very accessible, so why can’t Trading Standards meet the same, eh, Standards?
I was approached by a dodgy character, and was warned off him by Trading Standards. Curiously he was with Check a Trade, which means nothing: traders simply pay to be on its leaflets .
Not convinced that announcing there are rogue builders about shows any responsibility or genius at all. What are Brighton council doing about it other than issuing an “alert “? No registration scheme in UK doesn’t mean Brighton can’t have one, if the council can be bothered
It’s the same situation with Check a Trade then regarding registration lists, although I appreciate the sentiment. And to be fair, there’s nothing saying we the people and businesses can’t form one either! Most places, say Howdens for example, will have several local contractors that they work with regularly, so could vouch for them.
It surprises me just how many houses are having some sort of work done, even on a shortish walk near my home there are lots of vans, scaffolding and skips. It makes we question how much of the work is being done by reputable traders – are there that many builders in Brighton? I used to get a lot of people at the door “new drive, gardening, decorating, roofing” and so on. I even had one character with “Tree Surgeon” emblazoned on his T-shirt who offered to prune a shrub that was just about to flower. Eventually I put up a No Cold Callers sign. That has stopped a lot but there are still a few who try their luck and claim not to be able to read. It’s the same with phone calls and emails, I don’t answer the phone or open the email if I don’t recognise the number or sender and often check it on the internet. It’s a pity we have to be so wary nowadays but Caveat Emptor very much applies.
I agree with you Chris, there always seems to be an angle out there for people to try to make a quick buck. We had it even throughout COVID – the morals of someone is clearly abhorrent.
Gem Building Specialists took a £7k deposit and then ceased trading. Their sister company Gem Walls and Ceilings is still going and they have started up Pearl Buildling Specialists since too from the same office. Absolute conman and you should not be able allowed to run any company if your previous company goes bankrupt.
We have been trading standards approved
Since it started, I’ve seen some pretty rubbish building works, you’re home is your biggest investment in life do your homework before you employ any trade persons .
Unfortunately most people look at the cheapest quote
Then have to pay again to get it done properly.
Tony
Amco Builders