Rogue Traders Benefit from Homeowners' 'Improve Not Move' Stance

A growing number of homeowners, who choose to carry out home improvements rather than brave the current property market, are falling victim to unscrupulous traders and substandard levels of workmanship.

London, UK (PRWEB) November 2, 2008 -- Findings from a survey carried out by HomeServe reveals the extent to which rogue traders will prey on vulnerable homeowners and also reveals how the current state of economy has left millions more at risk.

The survey estimates that poorly carried out jobs is costing homeowners more than £8 billion to correct over the last two years with the average cost to right the wrongs at £1,275. The figure does not include money initially paid out for the botched job.

This research clearly shows just how vulnerable people can be when they don't make the necessary checks

When looking for a tradesman most people turn to a directory or the internet, but it's difficult to know the difference between one company and another from a directory listing.

Our range of Insurance Cover takes all the worry out of finding a reliable tradesman when your home is in need of repair, maintenance and especially in an emergency

You'll get one price that is fixed upfront, a quick response and the work is guaranteed for 12 months

The West Country reported the lowest incidence with just four per cent claiming to have been overcharged or left with shoddy work.

"This research clearly shows just how vulnerable people can be when they don't make the necessary checks," commented Jon Florsheim, CEO of HomeServe Membership.

"When looking for a tradesman most people turn to a directory or the internet, but it's difficult to know the difference between one company and another from a directory listing."

Of particular concern was the variation in call-out charges in which the lowest in the study of 200 tradesmen was £15 and the highest was £79.50. The research also found that 57 per cent of tradesmen charge by the job and 43 per cent charge by the hour.

When questioned, only 62% of tradesmen were prepared to guarantee their work. Glaziers were the least likely tradesmen to offer a guarantee (23%). This is in contrast to 96% of Pest Controllers who would offer a guarantee. Plumbers (45%) were less willing to guarantee their work than electricians (73%).

The study also compiled a list detailing the Top 5 Bogus Builder lines that homeowners had been subjected to:

1.   We were working in the area / have finished a job early so can offer a special deal
2.   We work for the council and have some spare time between jobs
3.   We need some cash upfront to cover some of the materials - once homeowners have committed to the job, the bills keep coming!
4.   I'm afraid the problem is much worse than we first thought
5.   You appear to have a loose tile on your roof - I've been sorting out a similar job down the road and have a few minutes up my sleeve so we can sort you out too. The problem then turns out to be much worse.

"Our range of Insurance Cover takes all the worry out of finding a reliable tradesman when your home is in need of repair, maintenance and especially in an emergency," commented Jon Florsheim.

"You'll get one price that is fixed upfront, a quick response and the work is guaranteed for 12 months," he added.

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