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Rogue Traders
How Rogue Traders operate
Although in the UK building trade, Rogue Traders are the exception rather than the rule, it’s worth knowing how to spot their behaviour, should one cross your path!
The following are typical traits:
- They will dodge or refuse your requests for references and be reluctant to give details of previous jobs.
- They will often bad-mouth other tradespeople to try and win your trust.
- They will usually offer to deal on a cash-in-hand basis to avoid the tax man.
- They will often attempt to scare you into having expensive and unnecessary work done.
- They will confuse you with jargon (see the jargon-buster below!) and overly complicated explanations.
- They will try to avoid a written contract at all costs!
- They will often say they can start tomorrow – generally quality builders will only do this if the work is a matter of emergency!
- They might refuse to give you written or verbal costings, saying 'things may change' – you should always avoid entering into such arrangements.
- They might even demand payment upfront – never EVER agree to this.
- They will probably laugh if you ask to see building or work plans, or else fob you off and assure you that the “details” are their problem.
- They will seldom have a business address on their card, and no fixed landline number – most will only be reachable by mobile phone.
- Finally, they will undoubtedly give you a very low quote – this is because they will be using cheap materials to do a rush job and won’t be declaring it to the Inland Revenue.
- Don’t be tempted by their low quotes and big promises or it may end up costing you twice! If anything about them makes you feel wary, it is always better to be cautious.
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