Cowboy builders are causing headaches for property investors, with new data showing a surge in complaints regarding poor workmanship.
Between January and October 2024, Citizens Advice received 22,509 complaints across England about home maintenance and improvements, with issues around roofing, insulation, and major renovations topping the list.
The rise in complaints
- Roofing, roof sealing, and chimney repairs led the pack, with complaints increasing 24% to 4,330 compared to 2023.
- Insulation-related complaints more than doubled, soaring from 565 in 2023 to 1,155 this year.
- Issues with major renovations, window frames and doors, and fitted kitchens also feature prominently in the top five categories.
The South East is England’s cowboy builder hotspot, with 4,068 complaints logged this year, while the South West saw the biggest annual increase in complaints at 6%.
Red flags to watch for
Spotting a cowboy builder early can save investors time, money, and stress. Key warning signs include:
- Lack of references: Reliable builders should provide verifiable references from past work.
- Lowball quotes: Suspiciously low estimates often mean substandard materials or hidden costs later.
- No written contract: Always insist on a detailed contract outlining scope, costs, and timelines.
- Cash upfront requests: Avoid builders who demand cash payments before starting work.
- No registered business address: Check for a permanent address and verify it.
- Disappearing act: Builders regularly absent from the job site should raise concerns.
- Rotating workers: A constantly changing workforce can indicate disorganisation or lack of professionalism.
- Not part of trade groups: Reputable builders are often members of organisations like the National Federation of Builders or Federation of Master Builders.
What to do if you’re dealing with a cowboy builder
If you find yourself a victim of poor workmanship:
- Document the issues: Take photos, videos, and keep records of all communication and receipts.
- Contact Citizens Advice: They can provide guidance and help escalate your complaint.
- Reach out to Trading Standards: They can step in if the work is unsafe or misrepresented.
- Report fraud to the police: Builders who fail to deliver promised work may be committing fraud.
- Pursue a small claims court case: For disputes under £10,000, this is a viable route to seek compensation.
Protecting your investments
Investors should thoroughly vet tradespeople before hiring:
- Request and verify references.
- Look for membership in recognised trade organisations.
- Obtain multiple quotes to spot inconsistencies.
- Insist on a detailed, written contract before work begins.
By staying vigilant, property investors can avoid falling victim to cowboy builders and protect the value of their investments.