Don’t be a rogue trader
The UK has been hit by a surge of rogue builders; causing havoc for the public and genuine builders.
Research commissioned by Sainsbury’s Home Insurance found that ‘cowboy’ builders have affected 6.2 million people over the last 5 years.
While this issue leaves a gigantic hole in the pockets of the UK consumer, many legitimate tradesmen are losing contracts to the rogue builders.
These 10 tips have been put together to help the genuine builders of the UK build trust and reassurance and to help consumers avoid that dodgy builder.
Reassure the consumer
• Be professional
It’s generally harder for builders and tradesmen to show their professionalism through attire due to the nature of the work. If someone calls for a builder they expect someone to show in jeans, jumper and big boots. It may be an idea to get t-shirts for each person working for you. There’s no need for a logo, just a corporate colour can do the trick.
However, you can be professional with your attitude and the way you speak.
Don’t step out of your van with a gang of young boys, cigarette in your hand saying “alright love”. Try “Hi there, my name is…from…” and a handshake.
• Present your Id, qualifications and insurance
Show the consumer that you are a fully qualified tradesman by presenting your trade card (every tradesman will have one). Present your liability insurance documents. This will reassure the customer that they are safe should anything go wrong.
• Show that you’re a member of an association
Only proven trusted tradesmen will be able to become a member of an association such as the ‘Federation of Master Builders’.
A sensible option would be to carry a ‘portfolio’ in your van which includes all of the above evidence so that you can show any clients that you are a genuine builder.
Avoid that dodgy builder
• The cheapest isn’t always the best
All jobs that require the assistance of a tradesman will cost some money, whether it be a small job or a large job. You could come across a builder that has quoted £1000 to build you an extension on your home. You consider this amount to be cheap so you agree the work. This could mean that the tradesman is also using cheap tools and materials resulting in a poor finish.
• Check for identification
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) aims to help the construction industry to improve quality and reduce accidents by providing CSCS cards. These are used as proof of occupational competence by contractors, public and private clients and others. If your builder, electrician or plumber presents one of these to you it is a good indication that they are competent to carry out the work you require.
Genuine tradesmen will have this card on them at all times and will have no objection to presenting it to you.
It may also be a good idea to check that the tradesman holds public liability insurance. If the worker/company has this type of insurance it can stand as reassurance that you are covered if anything may occur.
• Do your research
You have already started this by reading these simple 3 tips. However if you need a job doing it is always a good idea to seek quotes from at least three different sources. This will give you an average idea of the general cost for the job making it easier to spot a very expensive or very cheap quote. Both expensive and cheap prices can be an indicator of a dodgy builder.
By following these simple tips the consumer can now avoid falling into the trap of a rogue trader and genuine builders can proficiently reassure the public that they are genuine.