BEWARE OF FLOOD REPAIR ROGUES WARNS CONSUMER DIRECT

Consumer Direct, the government’s consumer advice service, is warning people who suffered property damage during recent floods to be wary of opportunist rogue traders offering to carry out quick clean up and repair jobs.

Carol Brady, Operations Manager for Consumer Direct said: ‘If you have suffered flood damage to your house or garden, you might be tempted to accept the first offer that comes along, but this doesn’t always guarantee that you’ll be pleased with the result. We are advising people to contact their insurance company in the first instance, and follow some simple steps to reduce the risk of being ripped off.’

Consumer Direct has put together the following list of tips:

• Before you organise any repairs, contact your insurance company. Some insurance companies may arrange approved traders to repair damage on your behalf, but if you organise your own repairs, check what will be covered.

• When seeking a reliable trader, talk to family, friends and neighbours to get recommendations, or look for a trader who is a member of an approved code scheme. Be very cautious about employing tradespeople who make unsolicited visits.

• Consider getting written quotes (not estimates) from at least three traders.

• Consider making staged payments and keeping back a significant part of the cost until the repair job has been satisfactorily completed. If you do this, you can ask for defects to be put right without the need to make a claim or go to court for compensation.

• If you are buying goods or services costing over £100, consider paying by credit card, as you may be able to claim your money back from the card company if the trader fails to honour the contract.

Anyone experiencing problems with traders, or needing further advice can call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.