Rogue traders take advantage of green tax
The new green tax on home improvements has come with a warning that dodgy trades people will take the opportunity to offer a way around the eco regulations.
Under the government’s new scheme homeowners wanting to add a conservatory, new boiler, windows and a host of other improvements to their home will first be required to complete changes to make the property eco friendly.
But there are fears this will encourage homeowners to take up rogue tradesmen to avoid the extra costs.
“In my experience cowboy builders and rogue traders will seize any opportunity to make a fast buck,” Kevin Byrne, managing director of Checkatrade said.
“Many are clever enough to manipulate situations like this and will attempt to worm their way into jobs by offering work on the cheap.”
This is a danger for reputable tradesmen who are already facing a downturn in work as homeowners put off renovations due to the extra cost of having to insulate their home or pay for other green refits.
“They may be tempted to take cash-in-hand jobs out of sheer desperation and it could be the final nail in the coffin of many businesses already under pressure because of the VAT increase,” he said.
Mr Byrne is encouraging homeowners to stay away from rogue traders because any money saved will be lost if the job is botched.
There is also no way of making the trader return or pay to fix the mistake if you opt for a cash-in-hand job.
