Look for home repair red flags

Dodgy tradies are not always easy to spot, but there are home repair red flags that can help reduce the risk of being ripped off.

These rogue operators have become more sophisticated over time. Their flyers might look professional; they may even include information that conveys legitimacy, such as an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN). There might even be a website listed that makes them look official.

You need to dig a bit deeper, ask the right questions and know your rights under Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Warning signs of dishonest tradespeople

 

 

Cold calling

One of the most common tactics for home repair scammers is to catch you unaware. A dishonest tradesperson might knock on your door or see you in the garden and say they had noticed, for example, that your roof needed urgent repairs or there is a tree that is dangerously close to the house and needs lopping.

They might suggest if you don’t act quickly, you could be in for a much bigger problem, creating a sense of urgency. They may also offer a “today-only” deal, quoting a substantially lower rate than their “usual fee”, increasing the pressure to act now.

Demanding deposits

Another home repair red flag is when a tradie asks for a substantial deposit, or even the entire amount, upfront. Consumer Protection in Western Australia received dozens of complaints where rogue tradespeople had demanded deposits or payment in full.

While tradies are allowed to ask for a deposit upfront, there are rules about how much they can ask for and when. The department recommends a deposit of 10 percent for work and paying by a secure platform such as Paypal or credit card, so that if there are issues with the work, it is easier to get your money back. Never pay by wire transfer.

 

 

Upselling and overcharging

A good tradie might find another issue that requires repairs while doing work at your home. But they will provide you with a proper, written quote, outlining the costs, and they won’t pressure you to have it done.

Under the ACL, there is a 10-day cooling-off period for unsolicited work, which also applies to repairs uncovered during an existing job. Consumer Protection WA gives the example of a tradie coming to fix a broken tap and noticing that the hot water system needs replacing.

“You have 10 days to change your mind about this portion of the work without being financially penalised,” a spokesperson said.

It gives consumers the opportunity to seek other quotes or determine whether they even want to go ahead with the work.

A rogue tradie will make you think it’s urgent even when it isn’t and may demand payment upfront.

 

 

Protect yourself from dishonest tradespeople

No matter what work you need done around the house, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from being scammed or overcharged.

WA Police warned consumers hiring tradespeople off social media to do reference checks after a man was charged with eight counts of stealing. They allege that he took deposits for renovations in several Perth suburbs and failed to complete the work.

Aside from being aware of the key warning signs outlined above, these simple checks and balances could help prevent necessary home repairs from turning into a money pit:

• • Shop around – get several written quotes that break down the work so you have a better idea of what you’re paying for
  • Ask friends or family for recommendations and references
  • Confirm the tradie’s credentials – do a free licence check via your state’s relevant authority, such as Verify NSW
  • You can also search for their ABN on the Australian Business Register
  • If you feel uneasy about a quote or tradie, trust your gut and go elsewhere
  • Check ScamWatch for the latest scams
  • Do not sign anything until you are ready

 

 

Report home repair scams

If you believe a rogue tradie has approached you, ask them to leave. If they don’t, or you feel threatened or intimidated, call the police.

To help prevent other people from being scammed, report dishonest tradespeople to your local consumer protection authority. Include any information they provided, such as a flyer advertising their services or their business card.

If you have been ripped off by a rogue tradie, gather all the details related to the job before making a formal complaint with consumer protection. This includes any correspondence you have had with the tradie, invoices and receipts, as well as their vehicle registration if you have it. Chances are you are not the only one to have been ripped off, so the more information you have, the stronger the case can be made that they should be prosecuted.

We know it’s very stressful to be left with a bill for work that was either done badly or not done at all. Make a complaint with us and we will help take the pressure down.