Barry Mortimer

FMB calls for mandatory licensing system for domestic builders



A third of London homeowners (33%) claim they are wary of doing major home improvements requiring a workman as they fear hiring a “dodgy builder”, according to a new study.


The latest research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) London revealed that Londoners would invest £67,000 on home improvement work over the next five years if they had full confidence in their ability to identify a professional builder.

The report claimed that the UK economy as a whole was missing out on £10bn of activity per year due to the fear over cowboy builders.

Barry Mortimer, director at FMB London (pictured above), felt that in order to give homeowners more assurance that their building project would go smoothly, the government should consider introducing a mandatory licensing system for domestic builders.

“This would help give consumers the confidence they need to loosen their purse strings and invest in home improvements.

“In the meantime, for people who are looking for a reliable builder, the best course of action is to ask family or friends for a recommendation.

“If this isn’t possible, homeowners should approach a professional trade association like the Federation of Master Builders.”



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