How to avoid cowboy builders as a solo woman?

[MotherOfRatios]

Recently got scammed by the builders I had in my place and it seems that they definitely just took a advantage of the fact I was a woman by myself and didn't know nothing about plumbing and stuff.

I did find them on Checkatrade. But what are some of the tips that you use to avoid a cowboy builder

It's best to try and get a personal recommendation. If they were dodgy then it probably wouldn't make no difference if you were the opposite sex. I know how you feel though as I do often think they can tell I know nothing!
I guess you could ask a male friend to be there at least initially and introduce them as either your live in partner or the lodger?
As for the scammer I hope you reported him to check a trade. If he ripped you off financially and it's pretty clear cut you can take him to small claims court? Depends on the amount though.

So sorry to hear of your experience. If you Google how to avoid rogue traders there is quite a bit of information and videos.

I found this one below helpful.

www.safelocaltrades.com/consumers/advice/avoiding-rogue-traders

In my experience only go by recommendation if you can actually see the contractors work yourself.

Sorry to hear that OP. I’ve had similar issues with car mechanics in the past so I know where you’re coming from. Personal recommendation is best, ask friends and work colleagues. Good builders are usually booked up so if one can start immediately I’d be weary. I agree about asking a male friend or family member to be present. Checkatrade isn’t that useful.

Local recommendations are best. Find someone who is having building work done and ask them about their builder

Another vote for local recommendations, from people you know/talk to.
Don’t trust Check a trade, anyone can get registered there. Definitely do not trust Facebook. The traveling community are known to use FB to recommend themselves for work.

As others said personal recommendations are best. I've often chosen people who live close to me and I know where their house is. Finally, I would say you should really do some basic research and try to inform yourself about the job beforehand, so as not to appear totally clueless. I've never needed a man to speak to builders for me.

This is who I use when I replaced my windows - these are LA approved tradesman:
https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/
I have been similarly ripped off in the past - especially regarding roofs!

Word of mouth is essential but also do your research. Check youtube to understand how things can be done, talk to friends, and ask questions.
Builders will respect you if they know you know.
Have everything in written contract including their working hours and timeline for the project.
Ask in advance what happens if things get delayed, how they charge for unexpected issues (ALWAYS HAPPENS) and make sure the payments are aligned with the project timeline.

It's hard it's really hard to rely on personal recommendations as I only want to own out of my fence circle everyone else rents so doesn't know any trade person, I even thought maybe I could ask colleagues but even colleagues mostly rent.

Men are not born with an internal understanding of domestic plumbing!

For any jobs, get recommendations if you can. Then get 3 quotes (and make sure they explain exactly what they will be doing fit your dosh)

Then make an informed choice.

Like any adult, make or female, should.

References from previous customers and actually follow them up

Once you do find someone reliable i.e. a car mechanic ask them who they use as say a plumber.

How do you do this? Do you ask for previous customers? Numbers?

Exactly ask for places that they’ve worked and then ring the doorbell and ask the person what they think , the worse that can happen is that the person says go away and I’d see that as a bad sign .

I'm currently renovating my place as a solo woman.
-You need personal recommendations. I also look in the local community Facebook groups for recommendations. Don't take a chance on a random
-Always get 3 quotes, it allows you to vet each person and see who you feel most comfortable with. I try and use my Spidey senses and ask lots of questions about their experience and maybe find out a bit about their own personal story too. All good info which helps you build a picture.

I have asked for references and then yes asked for contacts so I can see their work. This is for big work like extensions, landscaping and driveways.
I generally go by personal recommendations and even then I'll want to see the work.
I have even knocked on people's doors when I was looking at driveways to find out who did theirs.

I avoid Facebook simply because I found its family and friends that are recommending the businesses, London is difficult for trades it seems

I avoid Facebook simply because I found its family and friends that are recommending the businesses, London is difficult for trades it seems

The local council may have a trusted trader page on their website. Also look at who is doing work locally.

I use Facebook but I go full on detective 🕵️‍♀️ I get my partner to post on our local page (you could have a fake male profile) and if a name gets mentioned frequently I check them out and see if the people recommending them are on their friends list etc. I also search "plumber" etc to find other posts asking the same thing.

I get many more than 3 quotes as well and am careful to not just go with the nice, friendly chaps... ime the rip off merchants often have the gift of the gab.

It's such a minefield but good luck!