Checkatrade Thwarts Record Number of Rogue Tradespeople Amid Surge in Cowboy Builders
In a startling revelation, Checkatrade, the UK’s premier platform for home improvement, has reported an alarming increase in rogue tradespeople attempting to join their ranks. This surge comes as unqualified operators and ‘cowboy builders’ try to capitalise on the booming demand for home repairs and upgrades.
Key Findings:
- A 13% year-on-year increase in trades failing Checkatrade’s rigorous 12-point checks
- Roofing services top the list of rejected applications
- 668 tradespeople were turned away in just six months
The Vetting Process:
Checkatrade’s market-leading 12-point vetting process rejected applicants for various reasons:
- 31% failed to provide proper documentation (proof of ID and address)
- 8% had negative online reviews
- 5% showed poor trading history
Industry Concerns:
The home improvement sector is facing significant challenges, with official figures estimating that unscrupulous traders cost UK homeowners a staggering £1.4 billion annually. In response, the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a consultation on draft consumer law compliance advice for trader recommendation platforms.
“The fact that we have had to block more trades from joining Checkatrade than ever before points to a worrying trend in the wider industry that consumers must be savvy about when planning their home projects.”
– Mathieu Proust, COO of Checkatrade
Protecting Yourself from Rogue Traders:
With 55% of people lacking confidence in identifying genuine tradespeople, Checkatrade offers these warning signs:
- Be cautious during high-demand periods or emergencies
- Scrutinise suspiciously low quotes
- Avoid paying full amounts upfront
- Never accept work from door-to-door canvassers
Checkatrade’s Commitment:
Checkatrade maintains stringent standards for its members, including:
- Passing up to 12 checks before joining
- Agreeing to the Checkatrade Standard
- Ongoing vetting and review verification
For added peace of mind, Checkatrade offers a guarantee on jobs booked through their platform, covering up to £1,000 for 12 months.
As the home improvement industry continues to grapple with the issue of rogue traders, platforms like Checkatrade remain vigilant in their efforts to protect consumers and maintain high standards across the sector.
To read the full Checkatrade article on rogue tradespeople being blocked from their platform, visit the official Checkatrade blog here.
