Hundreds of construction firms have signed up to a new scheme that is aiming to put an end to poor quality work carried out by rogue tradesmen.
More than 250 companies have agreed to the Home Improvements Guarantee, which prevents firms from being paid until the customer is completely satisfied with the work that has been carried out.
Under the scheme, money to pay for building work is kept in a secure ‘client account’ instead of being handed over at the outset of a project. The account is protected by the regulators Transpact until the work is finished, at which point the client will sign off on the payment, assuming they are happy with the job.
Under the scheme, tradesmen continue to work until the customer is happy and an independent surveyor can also be called in to rule on any dispute.
Tradesmen signed up to the scheme will be listed on its website and will pay 3% of money earned from referrals. The scheme covers a wide range of works, including renovations, house extensions and loft conversions.
It is hoped that by introducing a financial incentive to domestic work, the number of low quality ‘cowboy’ builders will be reduced as payment can be withheld if standards are not met.
