When you need repairs or renovations to your property, it’s natural to turn to a trusted tradesperson. Most of us rely on recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours. It’s not often that we agree to significant work on our homes by someone who shows up uninvited at our doorstep. While many door-to-door tradespeople may be genuine and skilled, it’s always wise to approach such situations with caution.

A Glasgow homeowner found themselves in a puzzling situation when an unexpected visitor claimed their roof needed an expensive repair. This scenario raises important questions about how to handle such encounters and protect yourself from potential scams.

The homeowner’s dilemma:

A door-to-door tradesman, after working on my neighbour’s roof, claimed that my roof also had issues that would cost around £3,000 to fix. I’m skeptical and worried it might be a scam. How can I spot the warning signs?

Advice from Advice Direct Scotland:

Being aware of the red flags is key to protecting yourself from doorstep scammers. Unfortunately, some dishonest individuals pose as certified tradespeople to deceive homeowners.

Legitimate tradespeople typically don’t show up unannounced, and they certainly won’t pressure you into making a quick decision. If someone claims your property needs urgent repairs that you hadn’t noticed before, it’s important to resist any push to proceed immediately.

In these situations, always seek a second opinion. Verify the trader’s credentials by researching their company, checking for a landline number, and confirming they have a legitimate trading address.

When planning any home improvement or construction project, it’s a good idea to gather multiple quotes and compare them before committing to any work. Reputable traders will be happy to provide advice on the necessary repairs and won’t rush you into a decision.

Platforms like trustedtrader.scot can help you find Trading Standards-approved traders who can provide quotes for the work you need. Before any work begins, make sure you receive written terms and conditions or a statement of works, and ensure you fully understand all agreements.

Any contract should include ‘express terms,’ which are the agreed terms between you and the trader. These form the basis of the contract and should be clearly outlined.

Never pay upfront or hand over money without proper documentation. It’s essential to understand all terms and conditions, including your cancellation rights. Knowing the difference between a quote and an estimate is also important. An estimate gives a rough idea of the cost, while a quote is a fixed price. Unless there’s a genuine error or additional work is agreed upon, traders shouldn’t charge more than the original quote.

Where possible, avoid paying in cash. Using a credit or debit card offers more protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 if issues arise. Traders providing services over £42 are required to provide 14 days’ written cancellation rights. Failure to do so is a criminal offense and can be investigated by Trading Standards.

Finally, don’t hesitate to ask someone to leave your property if you feel uncomfortable. If a trader is persistent, ask them to return at a later time when you can have a friend or family member present. Be wary of immediate work offers, time-limited discounts, or pressure to make an on-the-spot decision—these are often signs of a potential scam. Genuine traders will usually agree to return at a time that suits you.

If you’re concerned about a trader or suspect a scam, consumeradvice.scot offers free, practical, and impartial advice on a range of consumer issues. They can also refer cases to Trading Standards for further investigation. You can contact their team at 0808 164 6000 or visit their website at www.consumeradvice.scot.
For impartial advice on various topics, you can also reach out to advice.scot at 0808 800 9060 or visit www.advice.scot. Their services are free and available to everyone in Glasgow and across Scotland, regardless of individual circumstances.