Advice to protect yourself from Rogue Traders

Citizens Advice have released some new figures that they receive more than 700 complaints every week about home rennovations gone wrong.

So here's some useful information to help you do your due dilligence before hiring a trader:

  • Check lists of verified traders on your local council website - often they keep lists for their area - just search the website for 'approved traders'.

  • TrustMark - this is the only UK Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around the home. You can put your postcode into their website and search the kind of trade you need, and it'll give you a list tradespeople they endorse.

  • Ask your friends and family - they can give you information that you can't find online to make sure you'll be happy having them in your home.

  • Always get three quotes - contact three different tradespeople to ask for a quote, that way you can spot any prices or false promises as the odd one out.

Once you've settled on a tradesperson, make sure you:

  • Get your agreement in writting - a written contract will help protect you should there be any disagreements, and make sure to add any changes to the contract as well.

  • Gather evidence - taking photos of the 'before' 'during' and 'after' the work takes place is also really helpful should you run into problems further down the line.

  • Talk to people - reach out to your family, friends and neighbours to let them know about the work you're having done. Rogue Traders cna be intimidating and having a point of contact to discuss their behaviour with can help you recognise when things aren't going as they should.