After complaints about ‘cowboy builders’ soared by a third last year, households in Cornwall are urged to be vigilant amid fears of a further rise this spring. 

A warning has been issued that, as well as work being potentially unsafe, victims of unscrupulous traders could face further complications and difficulty selling their home as the enforcement of building regulations is tightened. 

Certain work in the home, such as an extension or installation of a new heating system, must be correctly notified with the local authority, either directly, through a private building inspector or a technician registered with a competent person scheme who can ‘self certify’. 

The responsibility typically lies with the tradesperson and tighter regulations mean they could face up to two years imprisonment if rules aren’t followed. However, local authorities may serve an enforcement notice on the property owner requiring work which does not meet building regulations to be redone or removed. If the owner does not take action, the local authority has the power to undertake the work itself and recover the costs from the owner. 

In response OFTEC, a registration body for heating technicians, is urging households to check the credentials of any tradesperson when having work done in the home to ensure all the regulations are correctly followed.

They also say people should beware of unexpected tradespeople coming to your door, get multiple quotes for work and do research about the work required and on the company offering to do it.

Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, said: “Spring is a time when many of us are looking to make improvements to our homes and gardens but, it’s unfortunately also a time when rogue traders are more prevalent. With finances squeezed in the current cost of living crisis, it may be tempting to go for a cheap option offered on your doorstep, but there are significant risks with not doing your research which is why we’ve published this guidance. 

“Building regulations are being tightened to clamp down on trades persons who don’t follow the rules. However, this also impacts homeowners who may have to cover the costs of redoing the work to make it compliant or face sanctions from their local authority. A reputable tradesperson should always be happy to speak with you if you have any questions about the approval process.”