Why Rogue Traders are Such a Problem
Most homeowners only do building work a few times in their lives. It’s not a thing you get much experience in! So it’s easy to put your faith in someone who appears professional and knowledgeable about building work. That’s what rouge traders prey on. The lack of experience from clients makes it easy for them to take advantage, often targeting vulnerable people like the elderly, and commonly approach homeowners through cold calling, doorstep visits or unsolicited phone calls.
From a surveyor’s perspective, the aftermath of these visits is all too familiar. Incomplete work, unsafe roof repairs, damp problems made worse, poor foundations or structural walls altered without proper support in place. By the time we’re called in to inspect the work, the trader has often disappeared, leaving the homeowner with an expensive, stressful mess to deal with.
Warning Signs Every Homeowner Should Know
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling for rogue traders is to know the red flags. You should always be cautious of anyone who:
• Cold calls at your door offering to do work
• Pressures you to make an immediate decision
• Can start on short notice
• Refuses to provide a written quote or contract
• Asks for large cash payments upfront
• Avoids providing a business address or references
• Claims the work is ‘urgent’
A reputable contractor will always give you time to think, provide paperwork and welcome any questions you might have. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or rushed, that alone is a reason to stop. If you need work done, ask people you know for references rather than post on local Facebook groups.
The Importance of Written Quotes and Contracts
As building surveyors, one of the biggest things we want to get across is that you should never, ever rely on verbal agreements. Rogue traders thrive on vague promises with no paper trail to back them up. A reputable professional will always provide you with a written quote that clearly describes:
• The exact work that will be carried out
• Materials that will be used
• Timescales
• Total cost, including VAT
• Payment stages
If they give you an ‘estimate’ instead, be wary, as this might end up costing you far more. A written contract is there to protect both parties, and without one homeowners may have difficulties in getting redress if the work done is substandard or not finished.
3 Ways to Avoid Them
There are a few ways you can protect yourself and make sure you’re working with someone who is actually credible and not a rogue trader. Three fairly simple things to do include:
Check Credentials and Memberships: A lot of rogue traders will claim to be ‘approved’ or ‘certified’, even when they aren’t. Luckily, these kinds of credentials can be checked, and you absolutely should. Look for contractors who are members of recognised bodies or reputable trade associations (just make sure they’re relevant to the work being done). Membership might not guarantee perfection, but it does mean you may at least have a complaints process to follow if things go wrong. And remember, trading standards operate a Buy with Confidence scheme where members commit to fair practices, so this is always a good place to start searching.
Get More Than One Quote: One of the simplest ways you can protect yourself is by making sure you always get at least three quotes. If one quote is significantly cheaper than the others, ask why. In our experience, extremely low prices often mean that corners will be cut, poor materials used, or extra charges will be added later. Rogue traders will often lure homeowners in with a low initial figure, then inflate the costs or the extent of the work once the it’s already started and it’s difficult to get other contractors involved.
Don’t Agree to Large Upfront Payments: Another common rogue trader tactic is to get the homeowner to pay most, or even all, of the cost before the work starts. They may then disappear after a few days work, or just never show up. Legitimate traders might ask for a deposit, but it will be part of a reasonable payment structure that might include:
• A small deposit
• Staged payments as the work progresses
• Final payment, made only once the work is completed satisfactorily
And never pay in cash if you can avoid it, even if they offer reductions or discounts. Bank transfers or card payments create a financial paper trail.
The Role of Building Control and Surveyors
Some rogue traders will deliberately avoid getting building control approval, particularly for structural work, extensions or alterations. This can leave homeowners with unsafe buildings and a lot of problems when it comes to selling the property.
As surveyors, we often advise homeowners to seek out independent professional advice before any major work starts. A pre-work survey or specification can prevent unnecessary or inappropriate work, as well as give you a benchmark to measure quality against.
The Consequences of Using Rogue Traders
Rogue traders don’t just cause financial damage to their victims. They can also leave quite severe problems in your property, including:
• Unsafe structures and fire risks
• Damp and water ingress that’s made worse by poor repairs
• Invalidated home insurance
• Reduced property value
• Expensive remedial works
• Legal disputes and stress
In some cases, the homeowner can even end up paying twice – once for the rogue trader’s work, and again for a competent professional to fix the damage.
From a building surveyor’s perspective, prevention is always better, and cheaper, than cure. Take your time, ask questions, get everything in writing, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right. Your home is your biggest investment, so protect it by choosing the right professionals and staying alert to the tactics that rogue traders use every day.
For more expert advice on surveying and property matters, check out our range of informative videos on our website or YouTube channel. Harrison Clarke Chartered Surveyors is here to guide you every step of the way!
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