I’m a building expert – four signs to help you spot a rogue trader and it could save you THOUSANDS

FINDING a great tradesperson isn't always easy - and some are so in demand that they have waiting lists months long.

But even if you're desperate for work to get started straight away, you need to make sure you're choosing the right person for the job.

Most of us have heard horror stories of cowboy builders who have run off with the cash before doing any work, or left homeowners with damage or shoddy work that costs thousands to put right.

Some 7,809 cases of people being defrauded by doorstep sellers and bogus tradespeople were reported to Trading Standards between April 2020 and March 2021.

Research by Nationwide found that almost half of people know someone who has had work done on their property that was so poor it required redoing afterwards.

But how to find a good tradesperson?

Some 46% of people surveyed by Nationwide said they look at online directories, and 43% scan social media.

Mike Fairman is chief executive of Checkatrade, a website which provides a director of vetted and recommended tradespeople.

He reveals four red flags for spotting a rogue trader:

They're available immediately

Builders and tradespeople are in demand at the moment, so be wary of anyone who can start work straight away.

Of course, there might be legitimate reason for this - perhaps they had another job fall through - but it's worth asking some questions.

Mike said: "Some unverified tradespeople will take advantage of busy periods or moments of crisis such as after extreme weather."

A rogue trader might capitalise on the fact that you're desperate for your roof to be retiled after a storm, for example, or for your garden to be landscaped in time for summer.

Mike added: "Read reviews and ensure the person is vetted and qualified to carry out the work you need done."