A quick news search online reveals the shocking nature of the problem of rogue
roofers across the Northwest. Sadly, this is the case throughout Britain. Here is just
a small selection of news headlines throughout our surrounding area.
Lancs Live – 5th January 2020
“Warning as vulnerable fall victim to ‘aggressive and dishonest’ rogue trader tactics”
Lancaster Guardian – 20th August 2019
“Rogue Lancaster roofer gets 24 weeks jail for fraud and aggressive behaviour
towards pensioner”
Lancashire Telegraph – 15th January 2020
“Rogue trader fleeces £14k out of home-owner for dodgy roof work”
Lancashire Telegraph – 24th January 2020
“Oswaldtwistle rogue trader fined after ‘lower than DIY’ standard work”
Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Warning
These days most roofing companies are trustworthy and top standard however there are many rogue roofers operating in the County. Cowboy builders will often do a bad job on your house and overcharge you for their services. Their work can potentially ruin the foundations of someone’s home and cause bigger problems than what they began with. In Summer 2019, Lancashire County Council Trading Standards issued a warning to local homeowners after a series of incidents regarding roofing work. In a statement that they issued they stated: “There have been reports of bogus roofers operating across the County trying to charge too much for simple work or offering to carry out repairs that are not needed. Paul Noone, head of Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service, said: “We’ve had several alerts relating to door-to-door sellers. These include traders using pushy sales tactics or recommending work that just isn’t needed.”
Roof work does come at a price. When you consider how important the job that your roof plays in protecting your family home or business property this means that any maintenance
that is made to your roof should be done correctly and by a fully qualified and insured company or roofer. When using the services of a rogue roofer you put yourself at risk of double the payout and ruining your home.
How can you Identify and Avoid a Rogue Trader
Most cowboy builders will scout out your house and come door to the door indicating to you that there is a problem with your roof and how their company can fix it and the price it will cost. We advise not to do business with anyone who comes to your door and offers their services on the spot, may it be roofers or any other rogue tradesmen. There are multiple reasons for this advice and they are:
● If you verbally agree to a price on the doorstep, then there is no written statement of the price and have no argument against when the price starts to increase once work has begun.
● With rogue traders they don’t give you the opportunity to contact other companies to get quotes or to see if the price that has been given to you is reasonable and inline with other companies.
● A door to door roofer is impossible to track down once finished due to the giving of fake names and normally no company logo on the van that they work from. This causes problems due to after the work is done you can’t contact or locate the person that did the work.
● Rogue roofers often target the most vulnerable clients such as the elderly who live alone. They can be very manipulative and intimidating, this then scares people into thinking that the work needs to be done asap.
Steps you can Take to Avoid a Rogue Trader
If you have an elderly or vulnerable relative, friend or neighbour who lives alone, it is a good idea to double-check with them that anyone hasn’t tried talking them into any work on their residence. If you do believe that a scam has happened to someone you know then you can report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.
You can also check the trader’s details if you have them on google beforehand to see if they have any previous reviews from customers. Make sure you always seek quotes from other companies and also make sure that everything if agreed is written down and signed by the trader and yourself.
Our Company
Farington Roofing has an excellent reputation for high-quality roofing services and provides a range of specialist roofing services that are fully insured and guaranteed. All roofing materials are sourced to suit the best requirements for your property and your budget. Scaffolding is supplied for all roof installation and repair work in line with health and safety requirements. Available for work on any type, age or style of property.
For more information or to see how we could help you today please visit our website:
We offer a variety of services ranging from Felt Flat Roofs, Leadwork, Slating and
Tiling, Roof Repair and Guttering and Fascias.
