Avoid Cowboy Traders

The Kardinal 10 Steps to avoid a Cowboy Builder or a Rogue Trader

• Ask each builder for 2 or 3 recent references  
• Get more than 1 quote 
• Make sure the quote is detailed and matches your specification 
• Ask for details of the required payments. For all but small jobs, the builder may ask for payments at specific stages of the work the payments should reflect the amount of work already completed. 
• If the contract is a large one, ask what guarantees are offered. 
• Ask the builder about public liability insurance, they should have cover to protect you and the general public in the event of an accident. 
• Be suspicious if a tradesman insists on being paid by cash only. 
• Be suspicious if builder offers you a surprisingly low quote. 
• Check out offices of premises of the contractor this will give you a good idea of the company’s size and stability. 
• Make sure all rubbish will be cleared by the builder at the end if the job.