New consumer guidance published by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) highlighting the importance of using a trusted builder is welcome news, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB commented: “Having work done to your home can be one of the most important, and often expensive, investments a person makes in their lives. For too long in Britain, 'cowboy builders' have been ripping people off and providing poor-quality services. The UK is behind many other countries by not requiring builders to be licensed, which leaves consumers at risk of choosing incompetent and/or unscrupulous tradespeople."
Berry continued: “It is crucial that people use a builder they can trust, which is why the FMB provides a Find a Builder service to help consumers choose a vetted building company. The FMB service lists building companies that have been vetted and inspected before they can become a member. Going forward it is very positive that the CMA will have stronger enforcement powers to investigate trader recommendation sites that are not complying with their obligations. We now need to see the Government implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Report and introduce a mandatory licensing scheme to set minimum competency standards for building companies.”
