Cowboy builders
Cowboy builders and how to avoid them.
There are several reasons why cowboy builders get away with it and carry on working.
- People don’t ask for and verify references by visiting previous clients with the builder.
- There’s no signed home improvement contract.
- Clients don’t obtain three detailed quotes before starting work.
- Employers don’t appoint an approved contractor or one belonging to a professional organisation and don’t double-check that they are a current fully paid-up member.
- Clients go for the cheaper option of paying in cash, rather than a properly invoiced job that may include VAT.
- Some people are not willing, or able, to wait for a reputable builder.
Spotting cowboy builders
Make sure the builder takes you to see work they have recently finished.
Many people think they could spot a cowboy builder. In fact, they can fool the smartest employer. Cowboy builders can be enthusiastic about the work, always return your calls, visit quickly and tell you readily how much the job will cost and when they can start. The real cowboys claim to be members of trade organisations, in the knowledge that you might not check – with some even producing fake ID.
Warning signs
Treat these issues as the warning signs of a cowboy builder:
- Doesn’t offer a contract or sign the one you give them.
- Documents are handwritten and don’t give much detail.
- Offers a discount for cash and asks for money upfront.
- Gives a detailed quote and schedule of works but doesn’t follow them.
- Claims to work for a company that has a good reputation – perhaps one belonging to another family member – but is in fact working on their own. Just because they have links to a good name doesn’t mean they have the expertise to deliver.
Use the skills and expertise of an architect and ensure your extension, conversion or new build project runs smoothly from start to finish.
