How to spot a rogue trader before you hire them

Most builders are honest tradespeople doing a decent job. But rogue traders rely on a handful of recognisable tactics - knowing them is most of the protection you need.

Warning signs before you've hired anyone

• Unsolicited cold calls or doorstep offers, especially ones claiming to have "noticed a problem" with your roof or driveway while passing. Legitimate tradespeople rarely need to drum up work this way.
• Pressure to decide immediately, often with a "special discount today only." Urgency is a manipulation tactic, not a genuine time-limited offer.
• No fixed address or landline, and reluctance to give references or show past work.
• Vague or missing written quotes - a reluctance to put a price or scope of work in writing is a serious red flag.
• Cash-only insistence with no invoice offered.

Warning signs once work is underway

• Suddenly discovered "extra" problems that require significantly more money, especially if they can't clearly show you the issue.
• Requests for more money before agreed milestones are reached.
• Rushed, visibly poor workmanship, or materials that don't match what was quoted.
• Reluctance to let you inspect work before it's covered up (e.g. before plastering over new wiring or pipework).

What to do if you're already unsure

Trust your instinct - if something feels off, it's reasonable to pause the job, ask for everything in writing, and get a second opinion from another tradesperson before paying anything further. Genuine builders don't mind a homeowner being careful; only rogue traders are inconvenienced by scrutiny.