Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

TrustMark scheme to root out cowboy builders

Thursday, 2 February 2006 12:00 AM

Botched building jobs resulted in over one hundred thousand complaints in Britain last year.

Poorly carried out home improvement work, supposedly by trained tradesman, has reduced one in five householders to tears and costs Brits £1.5 billion annually.

This is according to the findings of a new scheme designed to crack down on cowboy builders launched in the UK earlier this week.

The TrustMark scheme, backed by the government, is designed to help householders find reputable tradespeople to carry out home improvement work.

The need for such a scheme is highlighted by the finding that nine out of ten homeowners fears that hiring a tradesman would be an unpleasant experience, while over a third admitted that they did not trust any tradespeople at all.

Ian Livsey, chairman of TrustMark, said the industry was being let down by rogue traders and cowboy builders.

"Consumers are already better protected because of the way that TrustMark has raised standards among trade organisations and their member firms, and the building industry is getting a much-needed boost to its reputation."

TrustMark brings together a wide range of accreditations and trade associations, covering thousands of firms and trades ranging from glazing to damp-proofing.

Mr Livsey said: "TrustMark is a single logo to look out for, whatever work you need doing in your home or garden, and it engenders trust because it is backed by government-endorsed standards."

He added: "TrustMark will help you find a good firm within minutes. It's an easy three-step process - your go to our website, search for a scheme operators that covers the trade you're looking for, and then you can use their database to find a TrustMark tradesperon near you."

Carol Brady, spokesperson for advice service Consumer Direct, said: "Complaints about home improvements and building repairs are one of our top ten complaints - whether it be roof repairs, poor house construction or overcharging on fixing leaky taps.

"Consumers often want to know how to avoid falling victim to a cowboy builder or tradesman and the role of TrustMark will help them to do just that."

Organisations currently approved by TrustMark cover trades including general builders, electricians, heating engineers, plumbers, glaziers, damp-proof specialists, roofers and fence installers.

To find a tradesman through TrustMark, go to: www.trustmark.org.uk

Click here to find a cheap UK mortgage

Click here to win tickets to the Homes Overseas Magazine Exhibition

Buy property books from Amazon.co.uk

Related stories

Government to crack down on cowboy builders

Government to crack down on cowboy builders

Government to crack down on cowboy builders

 Govt warns against cowboy builders

Govt warns against cowboy builders

Govt warns against cowboy builders

Right-to-buy was one of Margaret Thatcher's most famous policies. Pic:Getty Images

Cameron rejuvenates right-to-buy scheme

David Cameron is today re-launching the right-to-buy, a policy considered to be one of the major legacies of Margaret Thatcher.

 David Cameron is hoping that the new scheme will support some 50,000 jobs in construction and related industries. Pic:Getty Images

Government launches 95 per cent mortgage scheme

David Cameron is today unveiling the NewBuy Guarantee, a scheme which will allow new home buyers to put up a deposit of just five per cent.
House with solar panels

Shapps sets out plans for zero carbon homes

The housing minister’s new definition will cut emissions but keep down costs for housebuilders.

 Currently cowboy builders who accept cash in hand have a considerable tax advantage.

Builders urge VAT cut for home improvements

New five per cent rate would help home owners and landlords and boost economy, says FMB.
Cowboy at sunset

Cowboy tradesmen cost Brits £3.7 billion

Plumbers have been a particular cause of distress, with an estimated 1.4 million people having suffered because of poor-quality work.

 Under the scheme, housebuilders will pay 3.5 per cent of the sale value into an indemnity fund. Image:Thinkstock

Start date for indemnity scheme 'unrealistic'

Leading estate agent says details of scheme to guarantee mortgages on new homes still unclear weeks ahead of March launch.

There will be a cap on the value of homes eligible for the scheme but this has not been announced yet. Image:Thinkstock

More details of mortgage scheme for new homes

Seven top lenders and 25 house builders backing indemnity scheme that will allow 95 per cent mortgages on new-build homes.

 Exchanging keys in a property

Rent to buy scheme gets thumbs-up from Shapps

Housing minister approves of scheme in which buyers can try before they buy... and potentially put the rent towards their deposit.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

WowBBQ

WowBBQ Logo
Welcome to the World of Weber. We are the largest independent online Weber BBQ retailer in the United Kingdom. WOWbbq.co.uk is a Weber Partner Store and can give you the best advice for all your Weber BBQ needs.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

A guide to finding the right kitchen sink

When redesigning a kitchen or giving the room a makeover, it is important not to forget about the less obvious aspects of the space. Kitchen sinks are an essential fitting, but often overlooked, despite the fact there is a wide choice of styles available.

Useful tips to help find a flat in London

Looking for flats in London can be a frustrating process, given the capital's size, demand for rental accommodation and varying prices. It is vital, therefore, that you do plenty of research and act quickly to ensure you get the place that you want.

What do you need to consider when buying a mattress?

If you looking for a new mattress, you need to get the decision right, as getting it wrong could impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As well as comfort and size, you also need to consider other points, such as any health issues you may have.