Dumfries and Galloway Council Trading Standards is warning householders against giving driveway and other building repair work to people who call at the door. The warning follows intelligence they received about rogue workmen working across Dumfries and Galloway.
Every year Trading Standards receive complaints about workmen travelling the region carrying out work such as laying driveways, roof repairs or gardening work. These workmen can be incredibly difficult to track down after the work has been carried out .
Cllr Colin Smyth, Chairman of the Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee said: “Typically, rogue traders will try to get the homeowner to agree to the work being carried out straight away.
The homeowner will be made to feel that the offer is for a limited time and if they don’t sign up, they’ll miss out. I would urge people not to make any quick decisions and check out the Council’s trusted trader scheme before agreeing to anything.”
Although doorstep trading is not illegal, there is a substantial risk in purchasing from such traders. While the prices being offered may be tempting, hasty decisions made on the doorstep can sometimes result in agreeing to work that isn’t necessary, and often turns out to be more expensive than quoted.
In many instances what initially appears to be a bargain turns out to be a costly nightmare. Work carried out to a poor standard if it’s done at all, often ends up with the homeowner paying another trader to put it right.
Dumfries and Galloway Council operate a Trusted Trader scheme which is a list of local businesses in the home improvement industry that have been vetted by Trading Standards and reviewed by local consumers.
If you require any information about the council’s Trusted trader scheme call 0303 333 3000 or visit www.dumgal.gov.uk/
