Finding out that a rogue builder has been hired for a job in the home is a terrible feeling. Months of planning and putting away hard earned cash in readiness for the realisation of a dream, decimated by the actions of a conman.

Thousands of people fall victim to rogue builders every year, they are not just the scourge of households but of the construction industry as well. It is true that they only make up a small minority of those working in the building trade, but that is of no comfort to anyone who falls victim to them. Television shows abound with stories of rogue builders, and not just in the United Kingdom, television shows made in the USA and Canada show the problem is worldwide.

Whatever the job it pays to know how to spot and avoid the nightmare a bad tradesman can bring about. Large building alterations usually mean a large investment, and the dream of a brand new extension or a loft conversion can very quickly turn into a bad dream if a quality contractor to carry out the work is not chosen. Remember this as well, no job is too small for the rogue builder! Even removing a radiator can cause massive problems and if everything that could go wrong, does go wrong, the heating could be down for days, not to mention flooding, which could lead to a claim on the household insurance.

What is the best answer to the question how can I avoid employing poor tradesmen? Spend as much time and energy on finding a tradesman as you can and do not just plump for the first one.  Make sure you get at least three quotes, if there is a big discrepancy in them then ask yourself why before you commit to anything.

The house is probably the most expensive item a person will own and so a trustworthy builder should be top of the list when looking for home improvements. Every builder will tell you the best way to get work is through “word of mouth”. This can also apply to the customer and in this era of information at the click of a mouse there are quite a few websites that list both the builder and a rating from the householder.

A good builder will not knock on the front door and say they are working in the area and have a lorry load of tarmac. If they do, be polite and thank them and ask for a business card with contact details. Good trade’s people are always busy so if a builder says he can start tomorrow the chances are that he has got no other work to do.

A rogue builder will probably only have a mobile phone to be contacted on, and no land line number could be the first sign to set alarm bells ringing. Good tradesmen may work from home but they will not be scared to give their number and address out to potential customers. Rogue builders may suggest that paying them in cash will cut the bill. Yes it will, but it also means that there is no proof that they ever did the job. Always insist on a receipt issued on company headed paper.