Rogue traders on the rise

More than 4.6 million ’botch’ home jobs have been reported in the past 12 months, as a growing army of unqualified traders target unsuspecting homeowners, according to Lloyds TSB Home Insurance (LON:LLOY).

New research from Lloyds Home Insurance reveals that one in 10 Brits has been forced to correct sub standard work in the last 12 month - a 16 per cent increase on last year - costing an average of £460 to put right.

The rash of ’rogue’ trading is being fuelled by a tougher economic climate, as unqualified workers seek out ’cash in hand’ maintenance work and homeowners look for the lowest possible price.

With nearly a third (32 per cent) of victims admitting that they made no checks at all on workers’ qualifications, the insurer is urging homeowners to confirm traders’ full credentials and avoid the false economy of unqualified labour.

The research shows that Britons view the initial quote they get as the full amount they will eventually pay, without considering any additional costs should the job need correcting. Unhappy customers were forced to pay an average of £1,250 to amend botched conservatories, £840 to correct building work and £640 on roofing.

Those aged 45 - 54 are the worst affected, paying an average of £900 to correct the botch jobs done to their property, with West Midlands residents most affected (20 per cent), followed by those in the East of England (12 per cent).

Commenting on the research, Lloyds TSB Insurance Managing Director, Phil Loney said: "Rogue traders are on the increase and costing unsuspecting homeowners thousands. To help the public feel more confident about employing traders, we’ve produced a comprehensive guide to ’rooting out the rogues’ which is available on the Lloyds TSB Insurance website"