We’ve all heard it: “I’ll sort you out, mate — I’ll do it for mates’ rates.” Sounds friendly, doesn’t it? But when it comes to building work, “mate’s rates” can turn into “mate’s mistakes” — and you’ll be the one paying for it.
The “Mate’s Rates” Trap – Cheap Promises That Cost You Dear
How the Scam Works
A builder, a friend-of-a-friend, or even a neighbour offers to do the job “cheaply.”
No contract. No paperwork. No fuss.
Then the problems start:
Corners are cut to keep costs down.
Work drags on for weeks.
Building Control, safety, and compliance are ignored.
And when things go wrong — surprise — your “mate” disappears or refuses to fix it.
The price might sound low, but the cost soon gets very high.
The Red Flags
🚩 No written quote or breakdown — “we’ll just sort it as we go.”
🚩 Cash payments or no receipts.
🚩 “Don’t bother with Building Control, it’s only small.”
🚩 No insurance or warranty.
🚩 “We don’t need to write it down, we’re mates.”
If they’re cutting corners on the paperwork, they’ll cut them on the job too.
The Real Cost of “Cheap”
Work fails Building Regulations.
You can’t claim on insurance.
Repairs cost double.
Friendships turn into fallouts.
You thought you were saving money — but you end up paying twice, once for the job and again to fix it.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Always get a proper written quote and contract — even if it’s your best mate.
✅ Make payments traceable — bank transfer, not cash.
✅ Check insurance, qualifications, and registration.
✅ Use verified builders through Check A Builder, where “mates” don’t get a free pass on compliance.
Real friends will understand. Rogues will get offended.
Bottom Line
“Mates’ rates” might save you a few quid up front — but when it goes wrong, you’ll lose far more than money.
Because in building, cheap work isn’t a favour… it’s a future problem.
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