Bromley trading standards hears of cases where building work has gone wrong – this can cause a considerable amount of distress, time, and money for residents.
We often warn of doorstep criminals who cold-call and use illegal tactics to defraud residents, especially those who are vulnerable. We remind residents not to deal with doorstep traders but to consider safer options.
With spring upon us and many people thinking about home improvements, it is important to take measures to reduce the risk of your project going awry.
Find a reputable trader at Trading Standards Checked, our partnership with Kent County Council.
If our approved traders can’t do the work:
- Take your time – reliable traders are worth waiting for
- Always get at least 3 quotes and don’t rely entirely on personal recommendation
- Do your research before you agree – not only about the traders but whether you need permission or approval for the work
- Know who you are dealing with: who owns the business, is it a reliable address, are they a member of the trade association(s) claimed?
- Agree a contract in writing
- Try to avoid paying money upfront and certainly not a significant sum, and
- Keep a record of the staged payments and log, including photos, the progress of the project.
Please visit and read this advice Before you get building work done – Citizens Advice
For more information
Visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked.
If you think things are starting to go wrong, see Problem with building work, decorating or home improvements – Citizens Advice.
Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133.
Bromley trading standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley trading standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley trading standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.