Bogus Builders and Roofers
Bogus builders and roofers operating door to door will often take advantage of poor weather conditions, including flooding and high winds which may have caused damage to your property, to offer you their services. Otherwise they may try and point out 'problems' which don't actually exist.
Such traders can be extremely persuasive and elderly and vulnerable people are often targeted. Low prices are often quoted, but as the work starts the price often rises.
The work will normally be done immediately, before the householder changes their mind, and very often any information provided by the workmen, names, addresses, and telephone numbers are false, making them very hard to trace. | 
genuine builders at work
|
In most cases the work is done to a very poor standard, leaving the owner facing a second bill to have the work done properly.
They use a variety of 'sales pitches' to get you to agree to having work done. These include:
- suggesting that the property, if not repaired, will be dangerous, and may cause additional problems to the structure of your home.
- putting a time restriction on the offer to hurry you in to making a decision.
Be warned, once you agree to work being done, it is likely that they will find additional 'problems' (real or imagined), which will increase the overall cost.
If you need work doing to your home remember:
- don’t be forced in to making a quick decision on the doorstep.
- if you want work doing, get at least three quotes from local reputable companies who have reputations to maintain, and if possible seek recommendations.
- only deal with local firms with genuine verifiable telephone numbers and addresses. Beware of companies that only use mobile phone numbers, and accommodation addresses.
- anyone who signs a contract on the door step following a visit that was not arranged (unsolicited) does have 7 days in which to cancel it. All cancellation rights must be provided in writing to the customer at the time the contract is agreed, (usually on the doorstep). It is an offence not to do so and any contract that is not accompanied by cancellation rights cannot be enforced (penalty on summary conviction, maximum fine £2,500).
- finally, our best advice would be that if you don't want to speak to the trader don't open your door to them. It can be hard to distinguish the good traders from the cowboys; it might be easier to keep the door closed. Do not allow uninvited callers into your home.
Whatever you do, don't agree to be taken down to the bank by these conmen to get money out. If you ever feel intimidated by them, close the door and call the Police.
Warn elderly neighbours and relatives about these traders and notify your local Trading Standards Service and Neighbourhood Watch if you see them operating in your street. |