Guard against builder disputes, warns Which?

Published 04th Aug 2011

Consumer group says 2.4m people have had a dispute with a builder or decorator in the past three years, as it urges consumers to take precautions


Householders should always have a written agreement in place with a builder or decorator in case a dispute breaks out, consumer rights organisation Which? has said.

The warning came after a survey showed that at least 2.5m people have had a dispute with a builder or decorator in the past three years, with a quarter forced to take formal action.

The consumer group found that the most common disagreement was over the quality of work, while other major complaints included traders not turning up when agreed, delays over completion, and properties being left untidy.

A quarter of people failed to receive a written quote from their builder or decorator before work began, and 4% were even asked to pay the full amount for the job upfront.

Trader disputes left two in five people out of pocket, with a quarter feeling they were owed at least £500, and one in 10 saying they had lost more than £1,000.

While most people talked to their builder or decorator to try to resolve the dispute, 15% had to seek the help of a professional body and 18% were forced to spend more money by taking the trader to court.

Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said: "With the cost of living climbing, many people are spending money on home improvements rather than moving house. Being left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after a bad experience with a builder can be a huge blow for families already feeling the pinch.

"To avoid problems you should always have a written agreement between you and the trader. And it's important to do your homework – make sure you get several quotes before deciding who to use, choose a recommended trader and check they are a member of a professional body."

How to avoid cowboy builders and decorators

1. Find a trader through word of mouth or personal recommendation from friends and family.

2. Try to obtain three detailed quotes before starting work, ask for references, and do not be afraid to verify them by asking to visit previous clients with the trader.

3. Get a signed contract that fully sets out the costs, the work to be completed and start/completion dates.

4. Do not pay all of the money up front – payment should be made on satisfactory completion of the job. Request a written schedule of when payments are to be made.

5. Do not go for the cheaper option of paying in cash rather than a properly invoiced job that may include VAT. Paying by credit card where possible offers extra protection if things go wrong.

Source: ' Guardian '

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