Homeowners cautioned over cowboy builders

Homeowners have been advised against agreeing to use builders who approach them offering to do jobs by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The FMB has pointed out the fact that any reputable builder is not likely to be in a position where they must ask for work, adding that those who do small jobs for cash payment can often lower the value of the property and even cause major damage.

The recent interest in eco-friendly technologies has also seen an increase in the number of builders looking to exploit homeowners, the organisation added.

"It's still a problem, we're actually launching a campaign in a few months time saying: 'Say no to builders who approach you'… Any reputable builder will be very busy at this time of year, because they're in demand," commented FMB director of external affairs Brian Berry.

"If the work goes wrong, you've got no insurance – so it makes sense to employ a reputable builder, even if it seems more expensive," Mr Berry added.

Last month police forces around the country also cautioned against using disreputable tradesmen in the aftermath of the flooding that hit the UK in July.


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