Five tips to avoid rogue traders

Home and garden remodelling has soared exponentially since the pandemic, increasing the demand for tradesmen. As a result, the risk of dealing with rogue traders and scammers has escalated too. The increased demand and shortage of trained workers has opened loopholes within the industry, enabling less skilled professionals to profit and in many cases causing more costly damage than good. Nationally, Trading Standards services estimate that this issue costs people a staggering £3.5 billion every year. Time constraints combined with lack of preparation and research before embarking on a renovation or remodelling decision is often when a rushed decision to choose a contractor is made. So, what are the key considerations when looking to employ a rogue trader to help protect a project? Do your research beforehand Search engines link to/the internet has endless review sites, and social media is also a helpful tool to use to find more information on a trader. Also, whilst doing this research, look for images of previous work to assess the quality. A trustworthy trader should be happy to give you details of previous customers and their testimonials. If there is very little information about the trader or they’re not willing to provide evidence of previous projects, this could be a red flag. Look for a company website and look out for accreditations and membership logos. Check member lists on accreditor websites and supplier schemes to legitimise the company. Make sure to seek a variety of quotes for the project Take the time to source a variety of quotes to compare. Opt for the trader who displays a real understanding of the job at hand. If a quote seems cheap, question why. Low-cost materials and inexperienced labour may end up costing you more in the long run in repairs and replacements. When comparing quotes, look at what products are offered and dedicate time to researching the recommended brand of fencing. Does it come with a guarantee? Usually, cheap fencing will not have a guarantee, hence the lower price point. Ask for a digital or written quote When handling a trader never accept a verbal quote. Request a written estimate and a contract. Make sure the contract has headed paper, a business address, and a phone number so you have contact details to fall back on. Having an initial cost allows you to have a figure to go back to if the final price ends up being more. It's always best to ask for the quote to be emailed so there is a digital copy too. Company branding Company branding and logos are a sign of investment in the company. Look out for any branded clothing, does their van have the same logo, do the business cards match? Make sure to also check the website, email signatures, and email domain to ensure these are consistent. Use an ‘approved installer’ For peace of mind, using a trader that is approved by a reputable landscaping product supplier or approved directory is an ideal way to avoid rogue traders and poor-quality workmanship. To get approved, these businesses go through extensive application processes and many offer guarantees on the materials used. In addition, if anything were to still go wrong, you have the backing of the company which recommended them. Vetted and professional tradesmen for fence and gate installation can be found listed on the Jacksons website. According to a recent report, 97% of their customers would recommend their Approved Installer, providing the trust you need. Each of Jacksons’ Approved Installers displays a badge on their website to show they are part of the network – another point to look for as similar schemes exist across many trades. The significance of being prepared and knowing what to look for when dealing with rogue traders cannot be overstated. This process requires careful consideration and adequate time – put the work in now to avoid headaches and disappointment later down the line. Hopefully by sharing this specialised knowledge amongst homeowners across the UK, it will help to decrease the window of opportunity for rogue traders. Byline: Peter Jackson, managing director, Jacksons Fencing

Five tips to avoid rogue traders

Byline: Peter Jackson, managing director, Jacksons Fencing

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