A cowboy builder is a term used to describe an unlicensed or unscrupulous contractor who does shoddy work at an inflated price. They often target homeowners who are not familiar with the construction industry and who are not aware of their rights.
If you are considering hiring a builder, it is important to be aware of the red flags that indicate that you may be dealing with a cowboy builder. Here are some of the most common red flags:
The builder is not licensed or registered with the appropriate trade association.
The builder does not have any references or testimonials.
The builder is offering a price that is too good to be true.
The builder is pressuring you to sign a contract immediately.
The builder is unwilling to provide you with a written estimate.
The builder is not willing to answer your questions about the work to be done.
If you see any of these red flags, it is best to avoid hiring the builder. However, if you have already hired a cowboy builder, there are still things you can do to protect yourself.
Get everything in writing. This includes the contract, the estimate, and any changes to the scope of work.
Make payments as the work progresses. This will help protect you if the builder does not complete the work or if the work is not up to standard.
Be sure to get a receipt for all payments made. This will help you if you need to take legal action against the builder.
Here are some actions you can take to prevent yourself from falling victim to a cowboy builder:
Do your research. Get quotes from several different builders before making a decision.
Check the builder's credentials. Make sure they are licensed and registered with the appropriate trade association.
Get everything in writing. This includes the contract, the estimate, and any changes to the scope of work.
Make payments as the work progresses. This will help protect you if the builder does not complete the work or if the work is not up to standard.
Be sure to get a receipt for all payments made. This will help you if you need to take legal action against the builder. If payments are made through bank transfers ensure to keep copies of statements and a note of the account the funds were sent to in case a claim needs to be made against them at a later date.
Get recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours. This is a great way to find a reputable builder who has a good track record.
Check online reviews. There are a number of websites where you can read reviews of builders in your area. However be cautious of fake 5 star reviews. These can give the perception that the company is legit and operates to a high standard when in actual fact its the opposite.
Visit the builder's premises. This will give you a chance to see their work and get a feel for their professionalism.
Get a second opinion. If you are not sure about a builder, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion from another professional.
If you have been the victim of a cowboy builder, there are a few things you can do.
File a complaint with your local trading standards office. They will investigate the complaint and take action if necessary.
Take legal action against the builder. This can be a lengthy and expensive process, but it may be the only way to get your money back.
Contact the police. The police have powers to investigate and bring to justice cowboy builders.
If legal action is to be taken against a cowboy building company then to assist in any investigation its always best to have photographic evidence of the development prior to its start, photographic evidence of the errors made or its incompletion, proof of contracts, photos of the builders for identification purposes and proof of payments through bank transfers so that the bank that received the payment can be identified.
If you have to hire another contractor to finish off the work then make sure to ask if they can document for you what the errors were, why they were substandard, what should have been done, what they needed to do to fix it and how much it cost in labour and materials. This will add weight to any evidence should legal action be taken.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from cowboy builders and ensure that you get the quality of work you deserve.
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