Doorstep Callers

• Never agree to work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers. Simply say “no, thank you” and close the door. Genuine traders will understand your caution.

• Don’t let anyone pressure you into having work done. Rogue traders often claim urgent repairs are needed for your guttering, roofing, gardening, or paving. Genuine traders won’t pressure you into making a decision.

• Display a “no cold calling” card on your front door. These are available free of charge from your Trading Standards team.
   

Recommendations

• Choose your traders carefully to ensure they are legitimate. Check with trusted neighbours, friends, or family members for recommendations.
   

Research Traders

• As part of your research, use the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Trader Registerto find traders committed to doing a good job at a fair price.

• Verify if a trader is a member of a professional body or trade association.

• Use Companies House to find more information on limited companies.

• Reverse search images used by traders to advertise their work to verify authenticity.

• Don’t be swayed by glossy flyers or impressive websites that might not show the trader’s own work. Be cautious of social media posts or recommendations that might not be genuine.

• Ask to see professional qualifications, public liability insurance, and, if applicable, waste carriers’ licences.
   

Cooling Off Periods

• Check if you are entitled to a cooling-off period. Generally, contracts that are agreed in your home whilst the trader is present to come with a 14-day cancellation period. The trader must get your written consent to commence any work within the cancellation period. You don’t lose your right to cancel if you agree to the work starting during the cancellation period, but if you do cancel you will have to pay for any work undertaken up to that point.
   

Lead Time

• Be patient and prepared to wait for the work to start. Most reputable builders have a significant lead time (anything from 6 months to 2 years). Don’t be tempted to cut corners to get the work started sooner.

• Trust your instincts; if a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.
   

Payment

• You may be expected to pay for building work in stages to allow for materials and labour. Never pay everything up front, and only make the final payment when you are satisfied with the work.
   

Quotes

• Obtain at least three written quotes from reputable businesses. Ensure the quotes include the trader’s full name and address, allowing you to pursue matters if things go wrong.
   

Agree your contract in writing

• Consider using a downloadable standard building contract – for example (JCTLTD PDF)
   

Support & Assistance

• Citizens Advice offers excellent advice for consumers considering home improvements. They provide links to template contracts you can download. Always ensure you have a written contract before work commences. 

Please do not look to make payments by cash or agree to be taken to the bank to get cash out.  Genuine traders would never ask you to do this.

Agree a payment schedule with your trader; you will then know how much you are going to pay throughout the contract and when.

You should only pay invoices or work receipts after you can confirm that the work has been carried out successfully.

Payments made by bank transfer are not usually covered by banks if something goes wrong.

Try to make payment by card as card payments are often covered in the event of dispute under s75 of the consumers Credit Act/The Chargeback Scheme.

Get written receipts for any money paid.