10 Warning Signs That Your Local Builders May Be Rogue

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There’s a cliched idea that local builders are often ‘cowboys’ who can’t be trusted or are looking for ways to cut corners. Unfortunately, this notion is grounded in real-life public opinion. Research shows that
more than a third of people don’t feel that they can trust builders or roofers working on their homes. This is particularly true for those who are hiring builders for the first time. This distrust is associated with a lack of regulation in the industry, which opens up opportunities for rogue local builders to take advantage of inexperienced homeowners. Electricians and plumbers, on the other hand, are seen as more trustworthy by homeowners. Although the vast majority of builders, structural engineers and other construction contractors can be trusted, rogue local builders do exist.

The very worst rouge or ‘cowboy’ builders can completely ruin people’s lives and homes.
Cowboy builders in Wales have been accused of defrauding and conning some of their customers. These rogue builders left their homes in complete wrecks, all the while taking thousands of pounds for themselves. Here at Imperium Engineering, we’re trusted and reliable local builders working in London, Kent and the surrounding areas. As such, we wanted to highlight some of the warning signs that your local builders may be rogue.

Warning Signs When Choosing Local Builders For Your Project

Your Local Builders Insist On Cash Payment Up Front

One of the biggest red flags you can come across when hiring a builder is the insistence on cash payment. Even worse than that is an insistence on being paid before the work is even completed. If local builders have completed work at your home or business to an inadequate standard, or haven’t completed it at all, then you will have little to fall back on if you have paid in cash. Paying through the correct channels gives you far more protection as a customer. Moreover, you should only ever pay for the work once it’s completed to a satisfactory standard.

If local builders in your area insist on being paid in cash or upfront, show them the door. Builders who are worth their salt should show no resistance to being paid through the normal channels once they have completed the work. Anything to the contrary of this should ring the alarm bells.

A Quote That’s Too Good To Be True

Everyone wants to get a great deal when hiring builders. However, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is, as the old saying goes. Cowboy or rogue builders may seek to entice customers in with a rock-bottom quote only to slowly raise the cost during the project. They may also understand that they can offer a low quote, only complete half the work and then never answer any of your calls. Remember: you pay for quality workmanship. If you want a job done to a satisfactory standard, you won’t find it cheap.

There’s A Lack of Paperwork

Many builders work ‘off the books’. Some local builders may just be starting up and, therefore, unfamiliar with the type of paperwork that is required. Rogue builders use this to their advantage to distance themselves from shoddy work and reduce their liability for any issues.

Once you’ve spoken to local builders about your project, you should expect a detailed written estimate for the work. If you’re happy with the estimate and want the work to go ahead, you should write up a contract to be signed by both parties. This protects both you and the contractors you are working with. If a builder insists against a written contract, something fishy might be up. Unless you have a contract for the work, don’t go ahead. You’ll need proof of an agreement if anything goes wrong during the construction process.

They Are Not Accredited Or a Member of a Building Association

Accreditation to a scheme or trade association doesn’t guarantee that a builder will provide quality work. However, it can allay some fears as they are bound to some level of regulation. Examine your builder’s accreditations further, looking to see whether membership requires vetting or just payment. If all a builder needs to do to be accredited is to pay, then their credentials may be hollow.

Check out any of your builders’ credentials to ensure they check out. If they do, you can be reasonably certain that they can provide the level of workmanship you require for your project.

Their CV Is Thin On The Ground

Before you even pick up the phone to call a builder, you should always look at their previous work. If they have a website, you may be able to see past projects. If they are local builders without a website, you should ask them for references for their previous work to find out what their CV looks like. If the evidence of high-quality building work is thin on the ground, this is a sign that maybe they are not up to scratch. In the worst circumstances, it could be a red flag for rogue builders.

Your Local Builders Are Not VAT Registered

VAT registration is a good indication that a building company is operating within the requirements of the law. Now local building company would operate without being VAT registered. You shouldn’t feel coy about asking your builder for a VAT number. Once you have it, you can check that it’s valid through
HMRC. If a VAT number is not forthcoming, then this is another serious cause for concern.

Many sole traders may not be registered for VAT. If you are working with a friend of a friend who does not meet the turnover threshold, then they may not be registered and this does not mean they are a rogue builder. However, it is unlikely that a professional builder capable of completing a large project would not be VAT registered.

They Have Only Been Trading For a Short Time

Much like checking the CV of your builders, it’s also pertinent to check how long they’ve been in business. A new business by itself may not be too much cause for concern. However, a new business that hasn’t been trading for long in conjunction with some of the other warning signs described here could provide a reason to investigate further.

Cowboy builders will often trade under a slew of different names, with each one only trading for a short time. They will also be reluctant to pass over any address or contact information. If you notice any of these signs, stay well away from taking them on for work.

A Lack of Reviews or Testimonials

Finding reviews is an excellent method of finding out how good a builder is. Rogue builders may hide their testimonials and reviews. With that in mind, a lack of reviews or testimonials can be just as bad a sign as none at all! Check out your builder thoroughly on google for any available reviews. If they have many bad reviews or simply none at all, it’s worth looking elsewhere for contractors with evidence of positive work in the past.

There’s No Estimated Time of Completion

Rogue builders may be reticent to give you an estimated time of completion for a project. This may be because they would like to draw it out to squeeze more money from you. It could just be because they are inexperienced and have no idea how long what they have quoted will take! An experienced local builder should know how long a project will roughly take. Of course, issues may arise which extend the project, but experienced builders should be able to provide a rough timescale at the very least.

No Insurance

Finally, if your builder has no public liability insurance, this is a sure-fire sign that they may be rogue. Public liability insurance is voluntary. However, it protects the tradesperson if they cause accidental damage to your home. Whether you’re worried about cowboys or not, you should always work with builders who are covered.

For
Local Builders Who You Can Trust, Turn To Imperium Engineering

At Imperium Engineering, we understand the importance of finding local builders for your commercial or domestic projects who you can trust. Our builders in London are experts in their field, provide professional services and always endeavour to ensure our customers have an excellent experience. We can provide excellent and comprehensive building services, from structural engineering and civil engineering to structural surveys, scaffold design and extension building. Whether you are working on a significant commercial project or a home extension, you can trust us to get the job done to a high standard.

With many years of experience in the industry, we have worked with some leading names in architecture and structural services. Throughout our time in the industry, we have amassed countless happy clients who have loved working with us. If you’ve been looking for local builders for your project in London and the surrounding area, look no further!

To find out more about our services, please feel free to
contact us today. You can find us at one of our offices in either London, Essex, Kent or Birmingham. Alternatively, call us in London on 020 3441 7606 or email us at info@imperiumengineering.co.uk.