The concept of some kind of licensing scheme to stamp out cowboy builders has received serious approval from both homeowners and builders, with new research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) showing that 80 per cent support the idea.
Key results from the study include almost 90 per cent of homeowners believing that the government should criminalise incompetent and rogue traders. In addition, 78 per cent of consumers say they’d like to see a licensing scheme for construction brought in, while 77 per cent of small to medium-sized firms are keen to see the industry professionalised and consumers offered greater protection.
Commenting on the findings, FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “Aside from the obvious health and safety benefits, the advantages of a licensing scheme are manifold. Licensing would bar from the industry the very worst firms operating in the construction sector.”
He went on to add that the scheme would help increase consumer protection and encourage homeowners to take on more construction work. It’s also possible that it would improve the image of the sector, inspiring more young people to consider a career in construction.
How to spot a cowboy builder
When hiring a company, look out for certain warning signs so you can be sure they’re not a rogue trader. If someone is reluctant to give you business details like a landline number or address, or if they say they’re part of a trade association when they’re not, they could be looking to take you for a ride.
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