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Beware Cowboy Builders
Posted on 14/03/2008
J. Milton
Householders in Loughborough and the rest of Leicestershire are being warned to be on guard after the windy weather to make sure they don’t fall foul of cowboy builders or rouge traders.
The County Council’s Trading Standards Service is urging residents to be aware that rogue builders could be doing the rounds knocking on doors offering to do repairs to property damaged in the recent high winds.
Legitimate businesses such as roofers, builders, plumbers, carpenters and other traders will be working at full capacity at the moment and Trading Standards are concerned that dishonest traders will take advantage of the situation to rip off residents. The best bet is to use reputable firms who have been personally recommended or you have been referred to by your insurance company. In fact you should contact your insurers prior to entering into a contract for the work to be carried out to avoid possibility of disputes later.
David Bull, Head of Trading Standards, said: “When you need urgent work done on your property it is tempting to accept the first offer that comes along but our advice is to always shop around.
“Also check with your insurance company whether they have a list of traders or if you are elderly, Age Concern may be able to provide a list of preferred traders. It is usually best to employ a tradesman that you know or who has been recommended by a friend or neighbour.
“Make sure that you know who you are dealing with and how to contact them if you are not happy with completed work, and don’t pay in advance for work to be done and avoid doorstep traders. We get many calls about overpriced and shoddy work from doorstep sellers of Home Improvements”
Remember also to get several quotes for any work and also ask for references for work they have carried out (and follow them up) before employing anyone.
Anyone seeking consumer advice can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
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