UK Housing News
REPORT FINDS COWBOY BUILDERS NOW
TARGET GEN Z AS “EASY VICTIMS”
Data released today by Checkatrade, the UK's leading platform for home improvement, highlights the alarming scale and impact of the 'cowboy builder' problem across the UK, finding that unscrupulous tradespeople have set their sights on ripping off inexpert Gen Z adults in particular.
Working with Focaldata, Checkatrade polled over 1,800 adults who have hired a tradesperson in the last 12 months and found that 63 per cent of them had suffered at the hands of dishonest operators. Poor workmanship (38 per cent), incomplete jobs (24 per cent), substandard materials (20 per cent) and failure to meet agreed specifications (25 per cent) are the most common complaints.
The findings indicate that rogue operators have moved on from targeting vulnerable older people and now go after Gen Z home improvers; 81 per cent of those aged 18-24 who have worked with a tradesperson in the last year reported being swindled, compared to 46 per cent of those over 65.
Cost transparency is a big worry. Only 63 per cent say their final bill matched the initial quote and just 59 per cent were kept informed about cost changes in advance. Worryingly, 23 per cent accepted a price without a breakdown and 33 per cent relied on verbal estimates alone.
Adobe
-
UK consumers lose £1.4 billion each year to rogue tradespeople
-
63 per cent of Brits who hired a tradesperson in the last 12 months had a poor experience
-
Checkatrade report finds that Gen Z make up the largest victim pool, with 18-24 year olds having the most issues with dodgy builders, plumbers and electricians
Skyrocketing costs particularly impact 18-24 year olds, with just 43 per cent saying their projects came in on budget and 64 per cent believing they were overcharged or stung with hidden fees.
Regardless of age, encountering a cowboy builder profoundly affects a victim’s sense of security and overall wellbeing. 61 per cent of those who’d been scammed report feelings of anxiety and frustration, with 40 per cent experiencing stress and sleepless nights.
The trade industry is a cornerstone of the British economy, with 2.2 million tradespeople completing 53 million jobs in UK homes every year. But these bad experiences naturally leave consumers hesitant to contact professionals again. Checkatrade's study found that 14 per cent settle for inexpert DIY solutions to fix bad jobs rather than risking the help of another dodgy tradesperson.
The report concludes that over half of people (59 per cent) believe trade recommendation sites enhance their trust in tradespeople, but that these platforms must play their part in fixing the problem. Checkatrade, who commissioned the survey, stipulates that every trade must pass up to 12 checks before joining, and must achieve consistently positive reviews, which are continuously spot-checked and verified.
Jambu Palaniappan, CEO at Checkatrade, stated: “Dishonest operators erode trust in the trade industry and it’s alarming to see that these unsavoury characters are now zeroing in on new Gen Z targets. It’s vital that all consumers are alert to red flags to avoid being ripped off, and this is especially key for the next generation of home improvers whose age and inexperience may make them easier victims when undertaking what might be one of their first projects.”
Checkatrade’s top tips to avoid being taken advantage of include:
-
Avoid ‘too good to be true’ cheap quotes: While paying a significantly lower price to troubleshoot a Tik-Tok interiors trend gone awry may be appealing, always take your time and avoid rushing into booking trades with low costs and high availability. Rogue traders often use cheap quotes to hook unsuspecting customers. Instead, consult Checkatrade cost guides to understand fair pricing for your job, and always seek second opinions from other trades to ensure you’re not paying too little and sacrificing quality - especially if you're unfamiliar with the work involved.
-
Rely on verified reviews and platforms: Tempting though it may be to turn to social media or online Google reviews to background check a potential tradesperson, make sure to use verified review sites and platforms with a strict vetting process, like Checkatrade. Reading reviews from verified sources reduces the risk of being scammed by fake testimonials.
-
Beware of demands for full payment upfront: Watch out for anyone asking for full payment upfront—even if you’d prefer to handle the payment in one go, don’t agree to pay the whole amount before any work is done. Always get a detailed written quote with terms and conditions that spells out exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.
-
Keep your tradespeople accountable with photographic proof: Use smartphone cameras to keep track of your experience if you're working with a tradesperson. Document your project milestones, share updates on progress, and ask to tag the business’ work on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Tradespeople are more likely to stay accountable if they know the work is visible to a broader audience.
