How To: Avoid Cowboy Builders
General Red Flags: The company or individual insisting on cash payment before the work has been carried out. A deal too good to be true - while potentially tempting, if the quote seems ridiculously low there's usually a catch such as poor quality results or hidden costs. The builder is in a rush to do business. A refusal to discuss timescale for completion. An experienced professional will be able to produce an estimated completion date. The builder is not VAT registered - building contractors, who take on regular projects, are likely to be registered. Sole traders whose work does not take them above the threshold for compulsory VAT are an exception.