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workmanship compliance failures

The Cowboy Subcontractor Switch – When Your Job Gets Palmed Off

You hired a reputable builder — or so you thought. You met the boss, got the quote, agreed the price.

16 January 202308:004 min read

Thinking of hiring a builder?

Run a Builder Due Diligence check before signing a contract or paying a deposit. The RAG system highlights positive indicators, missing information and potential warning signs.

You hired a reputable builder — or so you thought. You met the boss, got the quote, agreed the price. Then, once work starts, a stream of unfamiliar subcontractors turn up — and the quality drops.

How the switch works

  • You hire a builder based on their reputation and portfolio
  • The builder subcontracts the work to cheaper, unskilled labour
  • The person you hired is rarely on site
  • Quality suffers and corners are cut

    • How to protect yourself

  • Ask in writing who will be on site each day
  • Include a clause in the contract preventing unapproved subcontracting
  • Visit the site regularly and unannounced
  • Run a Builder Due Diligence RAG check through Contraka

    • What to Read Next

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    The Planning Permission Lie – When Builders Say "It's Fine" (But It's Not)

    Get AdviceReport a Rogue Builder

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