Rogue roofers within the home improvements industry
Rogue traders have always seen the home improvement industry as a relatively easy way to make money from vulnerable people.
The roofing sector in particular attracts many unscrupulous doorstep callers and homeowners need to be on their guard when receiving unsolicited visits from odd job people offering to ‘fix roofs’.
Here at High-Tech Membrane Roofing , we’re Basildon’s flat roofing experts, we are shocked by new data which shows the extent to which the roofing industry is targeted.
Figures released by the Office of Fair Trading show that 1,725 complaints relating to rogue roofing tradesmen were received by the organisation last year – the highest number of complaints against rogue traders.
Consumer Direct received more than 13,000 complaints about uninvited traders last year, of which 5,718 related to home maintenance work. Summer is a peak period for rogue tradesmen and the public are being warned to be on their guard.
Steve Thornton, the director here at High-Tech Membrane Roofing , said: “As roofing specialists, we have often been called out to repair or re-do a roof which has been fitted by what can only be described as a rogue trader. The homeowner may have paid greatly inflated prices for the roof in the first place only for it to be left either incomplete or unusable and will have to pay out even more money for it to be fixed or even worse, replaced.
“If you’re considering having a flat roof installed or want to carry out repairs to your existing roof, it’s important to do your homework before hiring anyone. Professional flat roofing companies should have accreditation which will reassure homeowners that their tradesmen and women are fully trained.
“Here at High-Tech Membrane Roofing , for example, we are a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NRFC), the Government’s endorsed Standards Trust Mark registered through the NRFC , the Fair Trades Association and the Homepro Guarantee Insurance .”
The OFT offers the following advice on how people can avoid being scammed by rogue doorstep traders:
- If a trader knocks at your door do not agree to on the spot house repairs, or sign anything on the spot.
- Be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe.
- Do not make snap decisions. Take time to talk to someone you trust before you make a decision.
If in doubt, call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or click here .
