Recent data from Citizens Advice has revealed a significant rise in complaints related to home maintenance and improvements across England, with plumbing issues ranked as a significant concern. Between 1 January and 3o October, 2024, there were 1,327 complaints specifically about plumbing services, making it the fifth most common type of grievance in this category.
Overall, Citizens Advice recorded a total of 22,509 complaints regarding home maintenance during the same period. Complaints about roofing, roof sealing, and chimney repairs ranked highest, increasing by 24% from 3,502 in 2023 to 4,330 in 2024. Insulation-related complaints also surged, more than doubling from 565 to 1,155.
The South East was identified as the region with the highest number of complaints, totaling 4,068, while the North East reported the fewest, with 1,235 complaints. The South West experienced the largest percentage increase in complaints compared to 2023 figures, rising 6% from 2,753 to 2,918.
Tradefix Direct, which submitted a Freedom of Information request to Citizens Advice to gather this data, aims to highlight the challenges faced by homeowners dealing with unreliable builders. Commenting on the findings, founder of Tradefix Direct, Paul Kershaw says:
“It’s important to stay vigilant of the signs of a cowboy builder, particularly as we approach the busiest time of year for roof and chimney repairs, the leading cause of home maintenance and improvement complaints made to Citizens Advice in England.
“Whilst the vast majority of home and renovation jobs will be carried out by reputable builders, dealing with a cowboy builder can cause stress levels to soar, as a result of poor works carried out or being left in a financially worse off position, so it’s crucial to minimise your risk, where you can.”
For more information visit: https://tradefixdirect.com/blog/cowboy-builders/
