One in ten home building projects fail to please homeowners, leaving a trail of unhappy customers. The disappointed owners cite shoddy workmanship (49%), cost overruns (27%) and delays (23%) according to new research from the
Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Most of these issues can be avoided if home owners stick to builders who have to pass an independent inspection, as well as credit and director checks. They should also offer warranties on their work. The FMB offers a dispute resolution service should any problems arise.
The ‘
Keep away from the Cowboys’ checklist can be downloaded from the FMB website. You will also be able to access useful information on planning your project and finding a reliable builder.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB: “The UK construction industry is worth £110bn per year and more than 70% of this work is carried out by SMEs. Large projects, such as new runways and high-speed rail lines, tend to grab the headlines but they are only a small part of the story.
"Small, local builders are delivering fantastic new homes, extensions and refurbishments across the UK and these quality builders are the un-sung heroes of the construction industry."
