Cowboy Builders

chaddblue

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 Jan 2008
Messages
17,267
My mum and dad have contacted a builder to do a load of work on their roof, found from an advert in the MEN

For various reasons, something just doesn't smell right to me

Anybody with experience of the roofing trade who knows the tell tail signs to look out for these cowboy firms?
 
When they spend more time off the job than on it. Also if they dont clean up everyday
If they're getting scammed I don't want it to get as far as them actually getting on the job

Can't find a business address anywhere
Can't find any reviews anywhere
Same name as a company in Surrey and even the contact (John) is the same
They said they can start next Tuesday. Most builders are booked up for months
 
If they're getting scammed I don't want it to get as far as them actually getting on the job

Can't find a business address anywhere
Can't find any reviews anywhere
Same name as a company in Surrey and even the contact (John) is the same
They said they can start next Tuesday. Most builders are booked up for months
You are answering your own question.

Have you tried Check a Trade or something similar?

Plenty of good tradespeople, swerve those you are unsure of. Repent at leisure...
 
You are answering your own question.

Have you tried Check a Trade or something similar?

Plenty of good tradespeople, swerve those you are unsure of. Repent at leisure...
Yeah there's reviews on Checkatrade for the company in Surrey but not Manchester
 
My mum and dad have contacted a builder to do a load of work on their roof, found from an advert in the MEN

For various reasons, something just doesn't smell right to me

Anybody with experience of the roofing trade who knows the tell tail signs to look out for these cowboy firms?
Contact the MEN - ask them to investigate it!
Tell them there is a fiddler on the roof
 
If they're getting scammed I don't want it to get as far as them actually getting on the job

Can't find a business address anywhere
Can't find any reviews anywhere
Same name as a company in Surrey and even the contact (John) is the same
They said they can start next Tuesday. Most builders are booked up for months


yep fuck them off
 
As someone who has been a self employed tradesman for forty years next year, I would recommend that you find someone who....

has been recommended either by a friend/family member or another tradesperson whom you trust.

someone who is fairly local and easily contactable.

someone who comes across as intelligent and respectful.

someone who has a waiting list and cant start tommorow.

someone who is happy to be paid on completion of work, giving money up front is a massive nono.

Interim payments are ok for bigger jobs, but being able to withhold payment if you are not happy is your insurance.

Remember, anyone with any business integrity will have the means to supply materials/hire costs etc before taking payment from clients.

If you are not happy with someone before work commences then dont use them.

There are lots of genuine and skilled tradespeople out there who will take the necessary care and commitment to ensure your work is completed properly.

Hope this helps and good luck.
 
As someone who has been a self employed tradesman for forty years next year, I would recommend that you find someone who....

has been recommended either by a friend/family member or another tradesperson whom you trust.

someone who is fairly local and easily contactable.

someone who comes across as intelligent and respectful.

someone who has a waiting list and cant start tommorow.

someone who is happy to be paid on completion of work, giving money up front is a massive nono.

Interim payments are ok for bigger jobs, but being able to withhold payment if you are not happy is your insurance.

Remember, anyone with any business integrity will have the means to supply materials/hire costs etc before taking payment from clients.

If you are not happy with someone before work commences then dont use them.

There are lots of genuine and skilled tradespeople out there who will take the necessary care and commitment to ensure your work is completed properly.

Hope this helps and good luck.

That is bollocks, you should put some money up front customers rip off tradesmen just as much the other way round.
 

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