New partnership to protect consumers from rogue traders

At a time of great uncertainty, the HomeOwners Alliance (HOA) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) have announced a partnership to connect the public with quality, local builders they can trust. Their Find a Builder service will help homeowners find qualified builders who have been properly inspected and vetted.

With Citizens Advice seeing an 18% rise in complaints year-on-year it is a timely initiative.  The partnership builds on earlier alliances between the organisations, including their campaign to cut the VAT on home improvements and to license all UK construction companies.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “Our Find a Builder service connects consumers with local, quality builders and we provide advice and support for getting started with your building project.” Master Builders companies are committed to higher standards and their membership of the FMB must be earned.

Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HOA, added: “We know from the millions of visitors to our site that finding a builder is stressful. But more than that, rogue traders can leave consumers devastated with hefty financial losses. We are addressing this by offering the FMB’s Find a Builder service to connect consumers with trusted quality builders that have been vetted.  We are proud of our campaigning work with FMB and look forward to continuing to make a real difference to consumers today and in the future.”

The organisations will continue to work together on popular where to start guides including on extensions, conversions and how to add value to your home.