Survey finds millions of homeowners faced problems with builders
A survey found that 4.8 million homeowners have experienced problems with builders, prompting advice on how to avoid rogue traders.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A new survey has revealed that millions of homeowners in the UK have faced serious problems with builders, with many left out of pocket and feeling unsafe in their own homes. The research, conducted by Citizens Advice, found that 4.8 million people have experienced issues with tradespeople in the last 18 months alone.
One in four homeowners reported a repair problem during that period, spending an average of £750 extra to fix shoddy work. For one in ten, the additional costs exceeded £5,000. The impact goes beyond finances: one in three affected homeowners suffered stress, while one in ten said the experience made them feel unsafe.
The report highlights a range of common complaints, including dodgy gutters, badly fitted doors, and leaking roofs. In one case highlighted by the report, a couple in Dundee, Lorraine and Rob, were left living in a caravan after the firm renovating their bungalow walked out, leaving the property uninhabitable. They had spent all their savings on the work and now face an uncertain future.
Trading standards officials advise homeowners to pay for smaller jobs using a credit card, as the Consumer Credit Act offers strong protection if things go wrong. However, this option may not be available for larger projects that exceed credit card limits, leaving some homeowners with little recourse.
The findings come as a reminder for anyone hiring a builder to check references, get multiple quotes, and avoid paying large sums upfront.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 |
|---|---|
| 4.8 million people (one in four homeowners) faced repair problems in the last 18 months, spending an average of £750 extra, with one in three suffering stress and one in ten feeling unsafe. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The channel focused heavily on the human impact of cowboy builders, using the personal story of Lorraine and Rob in Dundee to illustrate the emotional and financial toll. The report included practical advice from trading standards about using credit cards, but also acknowledged the limits of that advice for large projects. The tone was sympathetic and consumer-focused, with a promise of further expert advice later in the programme.
- “We're in your home. Doesn't feel like a home, does it? No. Not even close. I mean, what's it been like for you? Absolutely horrendous.”
- “The best advice I can give to any householder, if they're having work carried out on their property, is to try and pay using their credit card.”
- “We just can't see an end to this. How do you get it put back to rights?”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.