More than a fifth of homeowners have been the victim of a rogue trade recent research reveals.
The top five cities residents are most likely to have had a rogue trade in UK are Newcastle in first place followed by London then Sheffield with Liverpool in fourth place and Bristol in fifth.
Konstantinos Katsikopoulos, professor of Behavioural Science at the University of Southampton, has revealed the moment at which people drop their guard and are more likely to unknowingly invite a rogue tradesperson into their home. Combined with his research into risk management and perception, he has determined the elements where people are more likely to take a risk and hire an unverified tradesperson.
Professor Katsikopoulos:
“When it comes to risk perception and decision making, people are more likely to cut corners when under bouts of stress, financial pressures and even trusting word-of-mouth recommendations. If you find yourself in these scenarios, it’s best to not rush a decision, no matter how small the cost, and always do your research”
A poll of 2,000 adults on the property ladder found those from Newcastle are most likely to have fallen victim to a tradesperson scam. However, 23 per cent confessed they’re still likely to choose the cheapest tradesperson on offer and run the risk, due to the cost of living. And more than a quarter (27 per cent) have booked a trade without sourcing references.
With 24 per cent having completely skipped background checks altogether. This has left 33 per cent of those who have done so regretting their decision to cut corners and forego tradesperson research.
The study also found 65 per cent have been left at least slightly disappointed by work carried out in their homes or garden, even if they wouldn’t necessarily describe the worker as a rogue tradesperson.
With poor quality results (62 per cent) and leaving a mess behind (24 per cent) the biggest gripes. But for 20 per cent, the biggest bugbear was the job taking much longer than initially estimated to complete. And 17 per cent felt they were overcharged for their job, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Kim Faura, chief product officer at Checkatrade, which commissioned the research:
“Recently, we’ve been hearing from our Checkatrade trades that they are being asked to rectify problems created by rogue and unqualified trades. With one in five homeowners intending to do home improvement work this summer, it’s vital that they do their research before hiring a trade.
“This includes not only referring to directories like ours and our online reviews but also leaving a review once a job is complete. This helps us to continuously monitor if members are upholding the Checkatrade Standard, including committing to carrying out quality and fair work.”
