When it comes to hiring a professional, you have to accept that not all professionals will work to the same standard. There are a number of variables that can impact on the overall level of service that you receive from a professional, and this means that you need to weigh up what you are happy to accept or settle for. It can be too easy to think that the more you pay the better the standard of service you will receive. This will not always be the case and sometimes there is a far better level of value to be gained by choosing a more affordable option.
Aspects which can impact on the level of work undertaken at your property by a builder include:
- The qualifications of the builder/builder team
- The experience of the builder/builder team
- The tools used by the builder/builder team
- The material used by the builder/builder team
- The knowledge of techniques and practices of the builder/builder team
Add in deadlines, other jobs and the mood of the people involved with the project and you can see why there can be a great level of variety in the standard of work that you receive. There are some builders that provide you with consistency and these are the ones that you can rely on. It is better to pay money and know what you will receive in return as opposed to paying a lesser fee but not being sure of what you will receive in return.
Cowboy Builders have been Around for Years
Of course, there is also the fact that there are a number of rogue or “cowboy builders” operating who are not focused on providing you with the best standard of service. There are some builders who are usually of a high standard but who can provide you with a lower quality or sub-standard piece of work at times. This is far from ideal but on occasion, it is understandable. After all, who can say that they are on top form at their job every single day? The standard should be satisfactory but there can be variances in what you receive from certain builders.
When it comes to cowboy builders though, you will receive a substandard and dangerous level of work and this is likely to cost you more money in the long run. It may even put you and your loved ones at risk, and this is often why so many people decide to take action against these professionals. If you are not satisfied with the level of work and service you have received from a builder or any other professional, you should look towards your local Trading Standards team for support.
Builder Found Out in the End
One rogue builder who has been found out after an investigation has been ordered to pay over £10,000 in compensation. This came after he provided a low standard and dangerous conservatory to a customer who had provided the builder with her life savings. The builder, Scott McBeth from Pontllanfraith attended at the Crown Court in Cardiff in early September where he pleaded guilty to a charge that was brought by the Trading Standards team in Torfaen. The charge claimed that McBeth was carrying out work which was in contravention of the requirements of professional diligence.
In addition to providing a low standard of work, McBeth also failed in the provision of offering a customer cancellation rights. This led to a complaint being made to the Trading Standards team of Torfaen County Borough, which led to an investigation. In the end the prosecution against the builder came under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations Act of 2008.
The sentencing on McBeth saw him receive a community order of 24 months, an order to undertake 200 hours of voluntary work and he will be under a probation service for 12 months. McBeth was also instructed to pay £10,783.71 to the customer in addition to paying a grand in costs and a victims surcharge of £60.
Given the impact that poor work can have on people, it is understandable that there is a growing focus on ensuring that these rogue professionals are suitably punished. This means that there is a growing need for experienced defence solicitors who can provide representation in Trading Standards cases. Anyone who is facing charges or prosecution from Trading Standards teams should be aware that they will need to find a defence solicitor with experience and expertise to defend them.
Andrew Reilly is a freelance writer with a focus on news stories and consumer interest articles. He has been writing professionally for 9 years but has been writing for as long as he can care to remember. When Andrew isn’t sat behind a laptop or researching a story, he will be found watching a gig or a game of football.