How many complaints are there really in the construction sector?

The NFB questions the newly proposed licensing scheme

The National Federation of Builders (NFB), which represents the broadest range of building and contracting businesses across England and Wales, is questioning the newly proposed licensing scheme targeted at tackling shoddy building work or poor business practice.

The construction sector is one of the highest regulated sectors, not only through contractual obligations scrutinised by its clients, but also planning, building, health and safety, environmental and financial regulations to name a few.

Over the past decade, several schemes have already improved contractors and builders’ work practices, quality control and ethics. Through recognising the value of corporate and social responsibility projects which have only further enhanced the reputation of the construction sector, many businesses have seen a significant improvement in relationships with customers, local communities and the public. In addition, levels of management and operative training aligned with onsite innovation have aided the delivery of excellent quality renovations, buildings and projects from domestic extensions to the largest buildings.

The reputation of the construction industry is generally built on the perceptions and experiences of homeowners and there is still a perception that there is a large number of poor quality builders, which requires yet further legislation and additional financial burden on a sector whose margins are already highly competitive. However, a licensing scheme would cover larger and smaller contractors who do not carry out domestic work.

For the licensing scheme to be truly beneficial, it will be required to be mandatory and enshrined in law. Lessons of previous voluntary schemes like the old Council of Register Gas Installers (CORGI) should be considered. At CORGI’s formation it had a low registration level, at approximately 30% of the market until it was made mandatory.

Yet the costs of mandatory schemes are often high. The NFB questions this additional burden, not only in direct costs on quality contracting businesses but also administrative demands making those businesses less competitive. Then there is the unknown cost of transfers, certification and warranting where work has been undertaken in other ways, such as DIY by a non-licensed contractor.

In the building sector there are multiple trades, most of which already have established and tested standards. The newly proposed scheme for the construction industry would result in a duplication of effort and confusion from the current systems already in place.

A compulsory scheme would require a form of enforcement, which would be complex and costly. For a scheme to be truly successful and ensure impartiality, a fully independent body from any trade association is necessary.

Based on the NFB’s own data, with only ten complaints received in 2018 from companies with a combined construction turnover in excess of £6.6 billion, it is evident that NFB members have the skills, expertise and knowledge to ensure that the work they carry out is of an excellent quality and standard.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB said: “In every industry you will always get someone that pushes the boundaries and our industry is no different. While the majority of builders and contractors are highly competent, there is a minority that gives the industry a bad reputation. To help increase consumer confidence, the NFB allows consumers to contact reputable builders.

“We encourage consumers to do the same. Taking time to research a good builder through a referral and getting references from previous work they have carried out can help stamp out rogue builders.

“Most importantly, do not be fooled by a badge. There has been a substantial number of cases of bogus builders fraudulently claiming membership of a trade association, so call and make sure they really are a member. Also make sure that the badge has value, examples from local magazines and social media do not guarantee service and quality levels.”

National Federation of Builders

The National Federation of Builders is a United Kingdom trade association representing the interests of small and medium-sized building contractors in England and Wales.

You May Also Enjoy

Property for sale
Estate Agent Talk

5 Top Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home

For some people, buying a home, working on it and then selling it is the primary goal to keep upgrading homes. Whether you choose to re-decorate or re-model the property, a renovation of your home can help to keep the ball rolling towards enabling you to secure a profit on your next house sale. Whilst…
Read More
Breaking News

Sdlt Hike Spurs Record Home Sales by Auction

iamproperty is crediting the recent Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) hike and rising consumer awareness as the reasons behind a record-breaking quarter for Auction. The market conditions led to an 11% increase in the number of iamproperty Auction sales in the first quarter of the year, compared with the same period last year. iamproperty’s Partner…
Read More
Breaking News

Changes to mortgage affordability to support sales as house price growth cools

House price growth has slowed to 1.6 per cent annually, down from 1.9 per cent at the end of 2024, as buyer interest cools and the number of homes for sale continues to expand Buyer demand is one per cent higher than a year ago, while the number of homes for sale is 12 per…
Read More
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rents rise to new record despite boost in supply

The average advertised rent of homes outside of London has risen to a new record this quarter of £1,349 per calendar month (pcm), however it is the smallest increase in rents at this time of year since 2020: London rents also rise by 0.1% (+£3) to a 14th consecutive new record of £2,698 pcm this quarter…
Read More
Breaking News

Size Matters in Planning

The House Builders Association (HBA), the housebuilding division of the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has reignited its campaign for the planning system to adopt five clear site size definitions, replacing the current, arbitrary ones of ‘Minor’ (one to ten homes) and ‘Major’ (ten and above). Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the NFB, said: “In…
Read More
Breaking News

Popping the Asking Price Bubble

Where in the Uk Can Buyers Snap Up Property Bargains and Where Properties Go for a Premium Above Asking Price   New research from fast selling property company, Upstix has uncovered the UK’s most surprising postcodes for snapping up a property at bargain prices this year, highlighting a widening gap between sellers’ expectations and the…
Read More