Flood victims warned of rogue trader menace

Lloyds TSB Insurance is urging victims of the summer floods to be alert to the growing risk posed by bogus builders offering to repair damaged properties – and is warning that the cost of rectifying botched building work could top £2 billion.

Although the floods have long since subsided, the time it takes for properties to properly dry out means that many homes are only now ready for repairs to begin. As a result, Lloyds TSB Insurance is expecting a sudden surge in the demand for builders – an opportunity which rogue traders will want to exploit.

Every year thousands of homeowners fall victim to rogue ‘door-to-door’ repairmen posing as professionals. They will often agree to carry out work immediately and for a very low quote, but the quality of work is usually poor and can often end in costly disaster. Last year, rogue traders cost unsuspecting homeowners across Britain over £1.36 billion in botched jobs and poorly finished repair work.

In order to help homeowners spot the tell tale signs of a rogue trader and get repairs completed free of trouble, Lloyds TSB Insurance has the following advice:

Never employ a cold caller

Always use a professional builder who is recommended to you, for example by your insurer, or who is a bona fide member of a trade association, such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

Talk to the builder's previous customers. Go and see the jobs they have done and make sure the customers were happy. Check they completed the job properly and within budget.

Produce a detailed written specification for the work you want done.

Ask at least three builders to provide written quotes.

Make sure the builders' quotes cover everything you would like done, including the supply of materials, removal of rubbish and making good after the work is finished.

Prepare a written contract, itemising what work is to be done and include details of payments to be made as various stages of the work are completed and get it signed before any work starts.

Make sure the builder has the appropriate level of public liability insurance for the work to be carried out on your home as your insurance will not cover you for faulty workmanship.

Phil Loney, managing director of Lloyds TSB Insurance said; “It’s understandable that those affected by this summer’s flooding are eager to get the repairs to their home completed as quickly as possible, especially with Christmas just around the corner. But it’s equally important to ensure that the work is carried out safely and completed by qualified tradespeople.

“Our dedicated flood website www.helpimflooded.co.uk features information and advice as well as useful links to trade associations, such as the Federation of Master Builders who can help you find a reputable tradesperson in your area.”

Brian Berry, director of external affairs for the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said: “If you are targeted by a rogue trader, do not engage in conversation with them. Say you need to compare prices or that you have to discuss it with your partner, son, daughter or friend. A quality tradesperson will have a queue of customers waiting to have work done on their homes – they will not have time to knock on your door.”