Don't fall for flood rip-offs (From Your Local Guardian)

Don't fall for flood rip-offs

7:00am Tuesday 31st July 2007 in News By Dan Menhinnitt

Sutton homeowners whose property has been damaged by floods are being warned to watch out for rogue traders offering repairs.

Sutton Council is advising its residents to check up on their contractors rather than fall victim to opportunists.

Jan Gransden, head of environment control at Sutton Council, said: "If you have suffered flood damage to your property, you might be tempted to accept the first offer that comes along. But this doesn't always guarantee you'll be pleased with the result.

"We strongly advise residents to ask for identity and recommend they use contractors who are either signed up to the council's Building Confidence Scheme or an industry approved scheme. The Building Confidence Scheme is a council initiative to promote good business practice and provide Sutton residents with information about reputable local businesses."

Traders who have been working in the Sutton area for at least one year can apply to be included in the scheme, and residents can also recommend a business be added.

For more information on the Business Confidence Scheme call 020 8770 5070.

"If you have suffered flood damage to your property, you might be tempted to accept the first offer that comes along. But this doesn't always guarantee you'll be pleased with the result."

Related links

• Trading Standards

Jan Gransden

The Government's consumer advice service, Consumer Direct London, has put together the following tips to avoid being ripped off.

Consumer Direct London has put together the following list of tips:

• Before organising any repairs, contact your insurance company. Some insurance companies may arrange approved traders to repair damage on your behalf, but if you organise your own repairs, check what will be covered.

• When seeking a reliable trader, talk to family, friends and neighbours to get recommendations, or look for a trader who is a member of an approved code scheme. Be very cautious about employing trades people who make unsolicited visits.

• Consider getting written quotes (not estimates) from at least three traders.

• Consider making staged payments and keeping back a significant part of the cost until the repair job has been satisfactorily completed. If you do this, you can ask for defects to be put right without the need to make a claim or go to court for compensation.

• If you are buying goods or services costing over £100, consider paying by credit card, as you may be able to claim your money back from the card company if the trader fails to honour the contract.