New data shows the threat to property investors posed by cowboy builders. 

Complaints regarding roofing, roof sealing and chimney repairs have increased by nearly a quarter (24%), in comparison to this time last year. 

Tradefix Direct submitted a Freedom of Information request to Citizens Advice to find out how many Brits are feeling let down as a result of cowboy builders. 

A total of 22,509 complaints were made to Citizens Advice in England regarding home maintenance and improvements, between 1st January 2024 and 30th October 2024.

Complaints were made the most in relation to roofing, roof sealing and chimney repairs, up from 3,502 in 2023 to 4,330 in 2024.

Complaints in relation to insulation saw the biggest increase, more than doubling from 565 complaints to 1,155 complaints in 2024. 

The South East was found to be the cowboy builder hotspot of England, with 4,068 complaints made in the past 10 months.  Conversely, the North East had the least trouble with cowboy builders, with 1,235 complaints made during the respective time period. 

The South West saw the highest increase in complaints compared to 2023 figures (Jan-Oct), at 6%, with 2,918 complaints vs. 2,753.

What are the signs of a cowboy builder?

• No references 
• Knocking on your door after spotting some work that needs doing 
• Suspiciously low quotes 
• Not setting out what is included in the quote
• Asking for cash payment upfront 
• No written contract
• No registered business address
• A number of dissolved companies to their name
• Rotating builders working on the job
• Disappearing for hours or days at at time
• Finding additional jobs to start 
• Substandard quality of work carried out 
• Difficult to contact
• Disregard for health and safety 
• Not a member of a reputable trade group, such as the National Federation of Builders or Federation of Master Builders. 

Tradefix Direct says that if you’re dealing with a cowboy builder, first and foremost, it’s important that you keep track of problems and record evidence of their poor work. Be sure to take photographic and video evidence of works carried out and file any paperwork you have received from them. 

There are a number of avenues you can explore, if you’re currently dealing with a cowboy builder: 

Citizens Advice – You can make a complaint regarding poor workmanship and receive advice on next steps. 

Trading Standards – If the work is dangerous, trading standards can help you to secure a settlement, where appropriate. 

Police – If your builder has promised to deliver works, and this has not come to fruition, this constitutes fraud and can be reported to the police. 

Small Claims Court – If your builder refuses to refund you for substandard work, you can open a case in a small claims court, which applies for jobs up to the value of £10,000.