‘Rogue trader’ who ‘lacked most basic skills’ convicted over leaking roof after £8,000 repair

“This is an example of a rogue trader carrying out substandard work, leaving his victim with huge remedial costs.”

A “rogue trader” who charged thousands to fix a roof that immediately started leaking again after the work was finished has fined and told to pay compensation.

David Douglas, a 22-year-old with an address at Greenfields Way in Weston-Super-Mare who was self-employed and trading as First Fix Roofing, was ordered at Derry Magistrates’ Court on Monday to pay £11,350 compensation to the victim.

He was found guilty of two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, in a case brought by the Trading Standards Service, and also fined £500.

A spokesperson for the Trading Standards Service (TSS) said the consumer had “complained to TSS after employing First Fix Roofing to carry out repair work to the roof of his property, as it was leaking.”

TSS said the complainant paid Mr Douglas a total of £8,100 for the roofing work to be carried out. As soon as the work was completed the roof continued to leak so the victim contacted the trader in an attempt to resolve the matter. Mr Douglas assured the complainant that the issues with the roof would be rectified but, despite these assurances, the trader never returned to the property.

The TSS spokesperson continued: “An expert report by a Chartered Building Surveyor was subsequently carried on the work completed by First Fix Roofing. The report concluded that the trader lacked the most basic skills, knowledge, and experience of a competent roofing contractor. Furthermore, in order to resolve the issues, the report stated that the roof tiles needed to be completely stripped off the roof and replaced.

“The victim had no choice other than to employ another trader to have the roof properly repaired at a further cost of over £6,500.”

Monica Mahoney of the TSS said: “This is an example of a rogue trader carrying out substandard work, leaving his victim with huge remedial costs. At a time of rising prices it is hugely important for consumers to have confidence in local tradespeople and to receive good quality workmanship and professional services.

“TSS will continue to seek to protect consumers in NI by raising awareness of the activities of rogue traders, supporting consumers when targeted by rogue traders and investigating these traders to ensure that appropriate action is taken against them.”

TSS offers the following advice for consumers seeking a reputable tradesperson:

• Ask your neighbours, family and friends for recommendations.
• Speak to previous customers for references and view the work, where possible.
• Check if they are a member of a trade body with an arbitration scheme.
• Take your time on a decision, do not be pressurised into making a decision.
• Get at least three written quotes to compare.
• Never agree to work following a cold call or knock at the door.
• Never pay for work up front and part pay by card for added protection.
• Only pay for work once you are happy that it has been completed to the agreed standard.
• Always get a detailed written contract and agree a fixed price.
• Be careful when using online trading platforms and be aware that traders who respond to requests for work have not been approved by the platform.

The TSS say anyone who believes they have been similarly affected should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.

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