Homeowners issued bogus builder warning

One in four (24 per cent) British homeowners have fallen victim to bogus builders, according to a new report from Lloyds TSB Insurance.

Lloyds TSB estimates that homeowners have forked out a total £6 million to rectify dodgy repair work, highlighting the necessity of extensive home insurance.

The hapless victims spend an average £538 on repairing damage caused by 'cowboy' tradesman, the report reveals.

Residents in the south-west (32 per cent) are most likely to have experience of the rogue tradesman, while older people are at higher risk.

Phil Loney, managing director at Lloyds TSB Insurance, advised people to consult their insurance company to be put in touch with a trustworthy building firm.

He said: "When faced with a domestic emergency, such as a burst pipe, most of us would be forgiven for reaching for the phonebook and calling the first tradesman we find.

"However, it pays to do a bit of research to ensure that you do not end up with a bodged job and are not left facing a second repair bill."

He said Lloyds TSB offered its home insurance customers a 24-hour Emergency Homeline, which helps put them in touch with "a reputable tradesman".