about us  |  contact us  |  advice & tips  |  news  |  advertise your business  |  business directory  |    Bookmark and Share          

OFT warns against bogus doorstep traders

OFT warns against bogus doorstep tradersThe Office of Fair Trading has launched a campaign to warn homeowners against bogus doorstep traders who offer to carry out home improvements such as fitting cheap UPVC windows.A new Office of Fair Trading (OFT) campaign is warning homeowners against bogus doorstep traders who offer to carry out home improvements such as fitting double glazing.

According to the OFT, nearly three million people have fallen victim to a rogue doorstep trader, losing an average of £600.

Those over 55 were found to be the hardest hit, losing almost £1,100 each on average.

Almost 50 per cent of respondents said they had been approached by those offering home repairs or improvements, such as cheap UPVC windows.

The OFT's Your Doorstep, Your Decision campaign is urging homeowners not to be taken in by the attractive prices that the doorstep rogues can offer.

Michele Shambrook from the OFT said: "Hasty decisions made on the doorstep can sometimes result in agreeing to work that isn't necessary, that turns out to be more expensive than quoted or that's carried out to a poor standard if it's done at all."

Homeowners should get double glazing quotes from reputable websites to ensure they do not get lumbered with a 'cowboy builder'.

Last month the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries National Training Group launched a new register of approved home improvement traders, making it easier for homeowners to avoid cowboy builders.

Written by Daniel Brown.ADNFCR-2394-ID-19462133-ADNFCR

Article Added: 16/11/2009 16:40:19
Double Glazing Quotes

If you found this article useful, please feel free to share it with others Bookmark and Share


Related Articles

Home improvement: Falling house prices 'promote DIY'
More homeowners could be looking to carry out some DIY projects as a result of falling house prices, people seeking bathroom quotes have been told.

Home improvement: Empty properties should be converted for living
Property developers urged to play a role.

Home improvement: DIY skills 'to be extinct by 2048'
DIY skills amongst men are anticipated to dwindle in the coming years, people searching for kitchen quotes have been told.

DIY is at an 'all-time high', expert says
Homeowners looking for kitchen quotes have been told that the number of people taking on DIY projects is at an "all-time high".

Kitchen quotes: Tips for cheap home improvements
People looking to compare kitchen quotes should follow these tips for cheap updates around the home.