Cowboy Builders: Know Your Rights Under the New UK Government Clampdown
For many homeowners, embarking on a renovation project is a significant investment of both time and money. However, the threat of rogue traders remains a serious concern. Recent data indicates that UK adults lost more than £10.3 billion on home and garden maintenance in 2024 due to overpriced costs or unfair practices. To combat this, the government has announced a major clampdown on cowboy builders, introducing new measures to ensure families are better protected from substandard work and aggressive practices.
At Citizens Advice Lancashire West, we understand the stress that unfinished or faulty work causes. When dealing with cowboy builders, know your rights to ensure you are not left out of pocket or living in a building site. The new government measures aim to put rogue operators out of business while supporting the vast majority of hardworking, reputable tradespeople.
What the Government Clampdown Means for You
The centrepiece of the new initiative is the launch of an 'Approved Code' for tradespeople. This scheme, developed alongside the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, allows businesses to demonstrate they meet high standards of transparency, customer service, and dispute resolution. Key features of the clampdown include:
A Database of Trusted Traders: A new central resource to help homeowners identify reputable professionals who have committed to the new standards.
Milestone Payment Systems: To prevent homeowners from losing large sums upfront, a new system will encourage payments to be linked directly to project milestones, ensuring money is only released as work is completed.
Tougher Action on Bailiffs: The clampdown also extends to aggressive bailiffs, strengthening protections for those in debt and ensuring they are treated fairly.
Cowboy Builders: Know Your Rights Under the Consumer Rights Act
While new measures are being introduced, you already have significant protections under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If you have hired a trader for home improvements, the law dictates that the service must be carried out with reasonable care and skill. Furthermore, any materials used must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose.
If a builder fails to meet these standards, you have the right to ask them to fix the problem. Under the Act, if the repair or replacement is not possible or is not done within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to a price reduction or a refund. It is important to act quickly; for cowboy builders, know your rights regarding the six-year limit (five years in Scotland) for claiming a breach of contract, though it is always easier to resolve issues immediately after they arise.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Home
Prevention is always better than cure. Before hiring anyone to work on your property, follow these essential steps:
Check the New Database: Once live, use the government-backed database to find traders who have signed up for the Approved Code.
Get Written Quotes: Never rely on a verbal estimate. Ensure you have a detailed, written quote that outlines the scope of work, materials, and total cost.
Avoid Large Upfront Payments: Be wary of any builder who asks for the full amount before starting. Use the new milestone payment approach where possible.
Verify Insurance: Ensure the trader has valid public liability insurance to cover any accidental damage to your property.
How Citizens Advice Lancashire West Can Help
If you are currently struggling with a rogue trader or have questions about a contract, you do not have to face it alone. Citizens Advice Lancashire West provides free, confidential, and impartial advice to residents in Chorley and the surrounding areas. We can help you understand your legal position, draft letters to traders, or escalate a complaint to Trading Standards if necessary.
The new government measures are a welcome step toward restoring fairness in the construction industry. By staying informed and knowing your rights, you can protect your home and ensure your renovation projects are a success.