Flooded by cowboys

Victims of this summer's flooding are finding it hard to identify bona fide traders.

It has taken so long for properties to fully dry out that rogue builders are bombarding homeowners, whose insurers have settled claims.

The Trading Standards Office estimates that cowboy traders cost Britain £1.36 billion in substandard, botched projects.

Phil Loney, managing director of Lloyds TSB insurance, advises: "It is understandable that those affected by this summer's flooding are eager to get repairs to their home completed as quickly as possible, especially with Christmas around the corner.

"But it is equally important to ensure that the work is carried out safely and completed by qualified tradespeople."

Brian Berry, director of external affairs for the Federation of Master Builders, warns: "A quality tradesperson will have a queue of customers waiting to have work done on their homes – they will not have time to knock on your door."

Home insurance companies often have recommended lists of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople connected with completing work effectively. Lloyds TSB has produced a website entitled 'helpimflooded.co.uk'.

28/11/2007 10:50:53