How to avoid cowboy builders

You may think it won’t happen to you, but even the savviest person can fall victim to a fraudulent tradesperson who delivers shoddy work. A ‘cowboy builder’ is a term that refers to reckless, predatory practices within the construction industry. They are usually unlicensed, unskilled and often demand cash upfront and sometimes abandon a project mid-build. These rogue traders plague the construction industry but some red flags expose them and, if you do get conned by a cowboy builder, we have some advice on how to deal with the issue. 

Watch out for the red flags:

Door-to-door approach: If a so-called builder knocks on your door claiming that they “happen to be in the area and noticed your roof is damaged” they should not be trusted or let into your home. A reputable tradesperson usually won’t need to go door-knocking to find work.

Don’t feel pressured: A rogue trader will tend to be pushy; they don’t want you to do research or compare their practices to other builders. They want you to make a quick decision.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is: If you are offered an exceptionally low price compared to other quotes you’ve received, that should ring alarm bells. 

They’re being vague: A cowboy builder will often refuse to provide you with a clear, written quotation that includes a timeline.

The job never seems finished: To make more money, a cowboy builder will create more work for themselves, e.g. while clearing the gutter, they notice the roof also needs doing.

Cash is not always king: A builder may not be legit if they’re demanding a large amount of cash up front. They’ll often use the excuse that they need it for building materials.  A legitimate tradesperson will have enough cash flow to pay for any materials they need. The usual procedure is that you’ll pay a deposit to an account (not cash) and you’ll only pay for the full amount once work is completed and you’re happy with the finished result.

Protecting yourself against cowboy builders

Are they legit? You can check if they are a reputable trader by checking Companies House to see if they are a registered company. 

Shop around: Be sure to get other quotes, don’t accept the first one you get. This way you can get an average figure of what the work should cost. If the quote is very low, be suspicious.

Don’t take their word for it: Ask to see examples of any previous work they’ve carried out and any reviews from clients. If you can speak directly to homeowners they’ve worked for it will give you peace of mind. 

Written Proof: Never take on a builder without first setting up a contract. This should include a quote, payment details and a timeline which is signed by both you and the builder. 

Get Evidence: Be sure to take photos before any work starts. Keeping copies of receipts also might save you if any future problems arise.

What to do if you fall victim to a rogue trader

Report it: If you feel you’ve been scammed and you haven’t been able to resolve the issue with the builder, the next step is to report the builder to Report Fraud as well as to Trading Standards. They will guide you on negotiating a settlement.  

Show the proof: This is where all those photos and receipts you’ve gathered come into play. You can also use texts, emails and any other communications as evidence of fraudulent work.

Cowboy builders can cause severe damage not only to your property, but also to your health and mental well-being. It’s crucial to be aware that these problems are more common than many may think, and you have to be stringent when looking for builders to carry out work on your property. 

Parker & Son is a trusted, family run company with a history spanning back to the 1930s as a specialist building contractor. We employ a team of experienced and qualified tradespeople who can build, decorate and landscape to create your dream home. We work with structural engineers, surveyors, architects and planning consultants to either build from scratch or renovate your property. We are also experts when it comes to heritage buildings such as churches and those belonging to the National Trust.