Around a third of Brits fail to check the credentials or reputation of the handymen performing repair work on their properties, it has been revealed.
According to a poll carried out by Lloyds TSB Insurance, on behalf of the Times, the number of people claiming on their home insurance has risen by 16 per cent due to poor repair work being carried out. The poll also found that many Brits are not carrying out any checks on the people they hire for a job .
It was discovered that homeowners whose properties have been damaged by cowboy builders have paid out an average of £1,250 to repair botched conservatory jobs, £640 for correcting roof work and £840 to rectify buildings. Managing director of Lloyds TSB Insurance Phil Loney said: "Homeowners need to confirm traders' full credentials and avoid the false economy of unqualified labour."
Recent research conducted by Halifax last month showed that the average home improvement spend in the UK is £5,300.




