Seven 'red flag' signs you could be dealing with a 'cowboy builder'
Having work done on your home can be a stressful experience. You want the result to look good whilst also getting good value for money.
As much as most tradespeople out there are good and hardworking, there are others that you need to look out for. These are known as ‘cowboy builders’ and no one wants to fall victim to them.
A cowboy builder is someone who doesn’t complete the work or doesn’t complete it to a good standard. They often overcharge customers and work without the proper safety measures. This leaves customers either out of pocket or with thousands of pounds worth of damage.
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If you're planning to have work done on your home, there are some signs that you can look out for to avoid employing a shoddy workman.
Joshua Houston, property expert at WhatCost, said: ‘’Being a victim of a cowboy builder is a big fear for many property owners, as it can leave you thousands of pounds out of pocket. Not only this, it can also destroy your trust in tradespeople, even if they are legitimate.
Fortunately, there are signs for you to look out for. These should give you a good idea of the indicators something not right is happening.’’
1. Unclear quotes
A red flag for a potential cowboy builder is their avoidance of giving you a clear quote. They might give you a price, but fail to break it down into details (labour and material costs).
This is often done so that they can inflate the price, without the customer finding out. Always make sure to get a quote in writing, with the cost of materials included.
Doing this will allow you to compare with other contractors, as well as avoid any discrepancies when it comes to payment.
2. Pressure to start immediately
Cowboy builders might also pressure you to give them permission to start work or make a payment immediately. Their reasoning for doing this is to not give you a chance to walk away and have a think.
You’re less likely to make a rational decision if put on the spot. Never agree for someone to start work on your property without thinking it through thoroughly. Give yourself a week between getting the quote and making a decision.
A good tradesperson will understand this and will be ready for your call when you’re comfortable.
3. Unreliable
If you find contacting the tradesperson difficult or they fail to turn up on occasion, then this is another sign. The person you’ve hired should be easy to contact and turn up on time (unless there are exceptional circumstances).
4. Blaming others
Rogue traders are often quick to place the blame on others for any delays or mistakes. This can include ‘waiting on materials’ or ‘the materials were sent broken’. Now sometimes this is the truth, and there’s nothing much the tradesperson can do.
But if it’s a continuous problem, then it might be a sign of a cowboy builder. If the work you need is regularly delayed, then ask for proof of what they are saying. They should have some email correspondence or receipts.
5. Unsafe worksite
Every worksite should take into account all necessary safety precautions for workers, the property owner, and the general public. Not wearing safety equipment is a common example of a rogue trader.
Steel cap boots are important in order to prevent broken toes, as well as hard hats for falling debris. They should also take into account the risk the general public might face, as if a person gets injured on your property, you could be liable.
6. No references
A common practice in many trades is customers asking for references from previous customers. This can include pictures of past completed jobs. Good tradespeople will be happy to provide you with examples of their past successes.
However, if they can’t, then this is another sign that they could be a cowboy builder. Of course, it is possible for them to be new to the industry (we all have to start somewhere), and if they explain this, it might not be a problem.
7. Cutting corners
Cutting corners is lazy, it’s a way for people to save time and money. It not only deceives the customer but also creates safety risks due to poor workmanship and cheap materials.
Signs of corners being cut are work being carried out at a fast pace but without any care or attention. They might be neglecting certain areas or ‘painting over the cracks’.
Make sure to regularly check in to see how they are getting on. They are less likely to cut corners if you’re there and are aware of what they’re doing.
