A new campaign for builders to be licensed

This is a misconception among many UK homeowners that all builders are legally licensed, when in fact no such requirements currently exist, according to recent research.

A new survey by the HomeOwners Alliance and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) uncovers the fact that nearly half of British homeowners believe licensing is in place.

The lack of regulation means there are no legal safeguards to ensure builders meet basic standards, contributing to widespread consumer misconceptions and negative experiences.

The two organisations are calling urgently for a mandatory licensing scheme for builders, arguing that the absence of regulation leaves homeowners vulnerable to rogue traders and unqualified operators.

Unlike electricians or gas engineers, anyone can legally set up as a builder without demonstrating any proof of competence or training.

The campaign for licensing of builders aims to professionalise the construction sector, improve its reputation, and enhance consumer protection by removing unqualified and rogue traders from the industry.

The regime should include competence assessments, background checks on trading and financial history, a dispute resolution scheme and a mechanism for licences to be revoked if standards are not met.

The public clearly supports reform, with eight in 10 backing licensing to introduce basic standards and protections.

As part of the campaign for licensing, victims of cowboy builders have shared the devastating impact rogue traders have had on their lives.

Victims have described harrowing emotional and financial consequences.

Some homeowners describe feeling exhausted, broken, and isolated, often too ashamed to tell family or friends.

Rogue traders often target the elderly or vulnerable, using urgent repair scams to extract money.

Paula Higgins, CEO of the HomeOwners Alliance, said: “We have supported FMB’s campaign for the licensing of builders for over 10 years and its high time the government acted.

“I would hate to think how many people have fallen victim to rogue traders or poor-quality work, how many millions of pounds of household’s money has been lost and victims left to clear up the mess over the last decade alone.

“When it comes to appointing a builder, homeowners shouldn’t have to cross their fingers and hope that their builder is one of the good ones.

“Government needs to protect homeowners through licensing.”

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “Homeowners having building work done to their homes are at risk unless they carry out background checks.

“The survey finding that nearly half of homeowners mistakenly believe builders have a licence to trade is very concerning as they could be putting themselves at risk.

“Building work is often a complex and at times dangerous job and needs to be underpinned by standards and legal accountability.

“Successive governments have failed to act to protect homeowners from rogue builders – an unwanted part of the industry that is so prolific that is has generated its own TV shows.

“We can’t allow just anyone to call themselves a builder anymore.

“The government must step up and bring in a licensing scheme that puts quality, safety, and accountability first.”