Whether you are building a new home, carrying out renovation work or building an extension, you need to find the right builder for the job. However, we know that’s not always easy in a largely unregulated market.
That’s why the HomeOwners Alliance and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) are proud to announce their new Find a Builder service, which will help homeowners find qualified builders who have been properly inspected and vetted.
The timing is right. With National Trading Standards braced for a spike in green home improvement scams, and Citizens Advice seeing an 18% rise in complaints year-on-year, alongside a 28% increase in doorstep crime complaints, we want to give homeowners a safe route for finding a builder.
This partnership builds on earlier joint work from the FMB and HomeOwners Alliance, such as the campaigns to cut the VAT on home improvements and to license all UK construction companies. We will continue to work together to help educate consumers through our popular where to start guides on extensions and conversions, and how to add value to your home.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Master Builder logo represents quality, trust, protection and experience. When you choose a Master Builder company, you can build with confidence. Our free Find a Builder service connects consumers with local, quality builders, and we provide advice and support for getting started with your building project.”
Berry concluded: “I’m delighted to be partnering with the HomeOwners Alliance, the preeminent advice service for consumers. Our organisations share similar values, and it’s exciting to be bringing the FMB name and our services to a wider audience so we can all build better.”
Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said: “We know from the millions of visitors to the HomeOwners Alliance website that finding a builder is stressful. But more than that, rogue traders can leave consumers devastated with hefty financial losses.”
Higgins continued: “We also know that the unregulated market puts consumers off from doing home improvement works. We are addressing this by offering the FMB’s Find a Builder service to connect consumers with trusted quality builders that have been vetted. We are proud of our campaigning work with FMB and look forward to continuing to make a real difference to consumers today and in the future.”
Notes to editors
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.
The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of modern and relevant business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and offers a free Find a Builder service to consumers.
About the HomeOwners Alliance
The HomeOwners Alliance is one of the UK’s leading property advice services, championing the interests of Britain’s homeowners and aspiring homeowners, with unbiased and practical advice about all aspects of buying, selling and owning your home. We’re on your side.
