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Recommended tradesmen a must for home improvements
02/07/09
Individuals looking to carry out home improvements should always ask for recommendations and ensure builders or plumbers are members of trade associations approved by the Trustmark scheme, a Consumer Direct representative has advised. Frank Shepherd of the government-backed body said home owners should also obtained legally-binding written quotes instead of estimates from three local tradesmen and agree on cost, payment and commencement and completion dates in advance of any work taking place.
"Don't pay the full amount up front and always keep back enough money to keep pressure on the trader to get on and finish the job properly," he said.
He offered the tips to the Mail Online's Money Doctor in response to a Worcestershire householder who claimed to have been hit by a cowboy plumber.
The Money Doctor added the first port of call for home owners who fall victim to rip-off tradesmen is their local Trading Standards, as many now have "rapid reaction units" designed to stop rogue traders.
Consumer Direct is a telephone and online advice service operated by the Office of Fair Trading.
Home owners looking for builders and plumbers in Worcestershire can find recommended tradesmen with Rated People.
