Complaints about rogue builders and poor workmanship are on the rise across the UK.
According to Citizens Advice there were almost 60,000 complaints lodged last year against builders and gardeners - a 19% rise. MORE: Hundreds of jobs on offer at London Stansted ahead of busy summer seasonTherefore the organisation has offered the followed advice for the public to help them protect their money:
• Find a trading standards approved trader using local websites or the Government’s TrustMark scheme
• Get references or recommendations from trusted people, or ask the trader for examples of work they have carried out in the past. Try to avoid contractors who won’t give references
• Find out if they are a current member of a trade body, which have codes of practice and can help resolve problems if things go wrong
• Get a written contract - this should cover exactly what you are paying for and everything you have agreed on, like timings, payments, who will pay for materials and subcontractors
• Pay in stages rather than upfront. Where possible try to pay by card as this can provide extra safeguards if something goes wrong
• Keep copies of receipts and your written contract as evidence, as well as photos of any problems
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