Cowboy builders give homeowners big bills

24th August, 2005

UK Homeowners are facing bills of £6 million to repair poor the workmanship of rogue builders, according to new research.

On average, victims of these shoddy workmen have to fork out an additional £538 in fixing the badly done jobs.

People with home insurance need not fret, however, as insurance companies should be able to put them in touch with a reputable repair company.

'When faced with a domestic emergency, such as a burst pipe, most of us would be forgiven for reaching for the phonebook and calling the first tradesman we find,' said Phil Loney, managing director, Lloyds TSB Insurance.

'However, it pays to do a bit of research to ensure that you don't end up with a bodged job and aren't left facing a second repair bill,' he added, and emphasising the importnace of good home insurance cover.

The study finds that homeowners in the south-west should be careful where they find their workmen, with 32 per cent over 55 reporting bad experiences with them.

Plumbers also came out badly in the survey, which revealed that 32 per cent of plumbing jobs are botched.

Lloyds TSB offered consumers a few tips to stay one step ahead of the cowboys.

Brits should ask workman for credentials, as a good repairman will be proud to show off his work, customers should never pay for work in advance, and should avoid workmen who ask for cash in hand and those only contactable on mobile numbers.

 

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