--- title: Seven Ways Hailsham Residents Can Avoid Cowboy Builders description: In this three-minute read, we look at how Hailsham homeowners can protect themselves from cowboy builders. By following a few simple steps, Hailsham property owners can avoid getting ripped off image: https://blog.craneandco.co.uk/hubfs/Cowboy%20builders%20option%201%20crying%20woman.png --- [![Crane & Co.](https://blog.craneandco.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Craneandco_Januaury2021/images/logo.png?height=1000&name=logo.png "Crane & Co.")](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/) The Best Estate Agency Award Winners 6 years running 2018 to 2023 - Properties - [Properties for Sale](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/?c=search) - Buying - [Buying a Property](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/buying.php) - [Stamp Duty Calculator](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/stamp-duty-calculator.php) - [Hailsham](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/hailsham.php) - [Sales Progression](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/sales-progression.php) - [Jargon Buster](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/jargon-buster.php) - Selling - [Selling Your Home](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/selling.php) - [Selling Your Home Advice and Guidance](https://pages.craneandco.co.uk/selling-a-home-advice-and-guidance) - [Award Winning Agency](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/best-estate-agent.php) - [Sales Progression](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/sales-progression.php) - [Video Marketing](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/property-video-marketing.php) - [3D Virtual Reality Tours](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/3d-virtual-tour.php) - [Remarkable Photography](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/photography.php) - [Open Days & Viewing Events](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/open-days.php) - [Vendor Microsites](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/vendor-microsites.php) - [Customer Testimonials](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/testimonials.php) - [Where We Sell](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/where-we-sell.php) - [Jargon Buster](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/jargon-buster.php) - [FREE Valuation](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/request-a-valuation.php) - [Testimonials](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/testimonials.php) - About Us - [About Crane & Co](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/about-us.php) - [Remarkable Photography](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/photography.php) - [Property Films](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/property-video-marketing.php) - [3D Virtual Reality Tours](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/3d-virtual-tour.php) - [Every Property has a Unique Website](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/vendor-microsite.php) - [Award Winning Agency](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/best-estate-agent.php) - [Open Days & Viewing Events](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/open-days.php) - [Where We Sell](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/where-we-sell.php) - [Meet The Team](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/meet-the-team.php) - [Contact Us](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/contact.php) - [Videos](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/videos-mini-home.php) - [01323 440678](tel:+441323440678) [Instant Online Valuation](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/instant-property-valuation.php) # Seven Ways Hailsham Residents Can Avoid Cowboy Builders ![Cowboy builders option 1 crying woman](https://blog.craneandco.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Cowboy%20builders%20option%201%20crying%20woman.png?width=1000&name=Cowboy%20builders%20option%201%20crying%20woman.png) *In this three-minute read, we look at how Hailsham homeowners can protect themselves from unscrupulous builders.* We’ve all heard the renovation horror stories. The builder who does a runner halfway through a job, leaving a homeowner out of pocket and living in a construction site. The messy contractual dispute that winds up in court and ends in tears. Or the new roof that leaks at the first drop of rain. The good news is that by following a few simple steps, Hailsham property owners can avoid getting ripped off. Jonny Greve, an experienced builder who runs the respected construction firm [Greve and Son](https://www.greveandson.co.uk/general-gallery) in East Sussex, has these seven tips for side-stepping cowboy contractors. 1) Online research Many websites offer consumer reviews and information about tradespeople, such as [Checkatrade](https://www.checkatrade.com/) and [Trustmark](https://www.trustmark.org.uk/). Do some homework online to see if your chosen builder has a good track record. 2) Membership bodies Most good builders will be members of at least one trade body such as the [Federation of Master Builders](https://www.fmb.org.uk/), the [Guild of Master Craftsmen](https://www.guildmc.com/), or [FENSA](https://www.fensa.org.uk/). Always double-check a builder’s membership claims. Never take their word for it. 3) Check the finances “The last thing you want to do is spend tens of thousands of pounds – or more – with a company that is in negative equity,” says Jonny. Ensure the builder is in good financial shape by reading over their annual accounts on the Companies House website. 4) See for yourself Ask to see examples of previous building projects. Ideally, visit the site and speak to the client (Covid-19 restrictions permitting). Also, find out where the builder is working currently and drive past to see if the site is tidy and if workers turn up on time. 5) Get three quotes and a watertight contract It always pays to get three quotes and to ensure contracts cover the full scope of works. Never leave detailed building projects to chance or make agreements based on a wink and a handshake. 6) Avoid cold-callers “If someone knocked on my door and offered to do a job for me on the cheap, I would immediately be suspicious,” says Jonny. “Good builders are busy – for example, I have clients lined up until the end of the year. Steer clear of canvassers and be prepared to wait for a good builder to start work at your property.” 7) Go on instinct Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right when you talk to a builder, exercise caution. If you would like advice about how renovations could add value to your Hailsham property, get in touch with us here at Crane & Co. 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