Shoddy work and rip-off tactics of rogue tradesmen has become Britain's number one consumer complaint, says the DTI, with dodgy improvement work wasting £1.5bn annually.
In 2002 alone over 106, 000 complaints about rogue tradesmen were registered with the trading standards offices.
And this week TV soap viewers will see Les Battersby's dreams of a saucy hot tub with Cilla shatter - along with his ceiling! As Les's hot tub crashes through the floor of his Coronation Street home, Halifax General Insurance is issuing a warning to the public to beware of rogue traders, no matter how friendly they may seem.
Howard Posner, Chief Executive Office, Halifax General Insurance said: "The storyline of this popular soap certainly reflects a real-life trend of rogue traders and shoddy workmanship disasters."
"Last year Halifax General Insurance received over 60,000 claims relating to work done by Rogue traders and other DIY-related disasters with the average cost per claim consistently exceeding £300."
"Already this year claims of this nature account for over a quarter of all household claims with incidents including botched electrics and plumbing to other building projects including collapse, floods and paint spills."
Halifax General Insurance has issued the following top five tips on choosing the right tradesman for your home improvements:
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Try to use tradesmen who have been recommended by a friend/ neighbour or offer to introduce you to a satisfied customer.
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Be careful not to rely on leaflets through the door or cold calling as a way of introduction and where possible avoid a doorstep deal - always check them out before inviting them in.
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Beware the tradesmen who only have a mobile phone contact number as they could easily disappear without a trace should things go wrong.
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Always do your homework and take time to search the options. Try to use long-established locally based outfitters - never make a rash decision.
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Ask your insurer. Most Household Insurers will hold a list of reputable tradesmen - for example Halifax provide a 24 hour Home Emergency line to all their home insurance customers who can provide you with a list of approved tradesmen in your area
Before embarking on any work around the house it's also important to check your insurance. Accidental damage to some parts of your home e.g. baths, sinks, ceramic hobs and fixed glass in doors, is included as standard in buildings insurance policies. Damage to other items such as TV's, videos, computer equipment and glass in furniture or mirrors may not be covered by all insurers. Halifax advises the public to check that their policy covers accidental damage and where necessary, this is taken as a policy add-on.
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