WCYT

Plumbers were the number one cause of complaint, followed by roofers and builders. Electricians also proved to be a bugbear for Scottish residents, along with painters and decorators.

Those who feel victim to rogue traders paid out an average of £2,077 over the last five years, along with "nearly £600 for repairs or completing unfinished work", states The Scotsman.

Unfortunately, only one-third of home-owners sought several quotes or received written quotes beforehand - leaving two-thirds of home-owners committing the deadly sin of not researching prices and quotes from other traders before agreeing to a deal.

In order to avoid being ripped off, Scottish owners should seek recommend plumbers, builders and other trades before entering into an agreement. By asking the trader to show ID, certificates and paperwork from the firm, property owners can feel safe that their house or flat is left in the hands of a trusted trader.

Neil Coltart, chairman of the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland, warned against using unsolicited door-to-door traders: "When a tradesman appears at your door offering to replace the missing tiles on your roof or cutting back the trees in your garden, it may end up costing you more than you bargained for.

"Not all doorstep tradesman are criminals but consumers should be on their guard when conducting business on their doorstep," he added.

WCYT

A community interest company keeping vulnerable residents in Essex safe from rogue tradesmen and doorstep conmen

www.whocanyoutrust.org.uk

Bad deal if you're Scottish

MORE than one in six Scottish home-owners have fallen victim to rogue traders in the past five years.

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