The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published new advice to help homeowners choose recommended and high-quality tradespeople. This includes using trader recommendation sites that properly vet builders, plumbers, heating specialists and others.

The CMA’s new advice includes being cautious about reviews - advising consumers check they are from verified customers - and not to rely on claims of ‘trustworthiness’ from firms’ own sites.

The regulator has also issued advice to the sector, indicating how these firms can be clearer to consumers and the dos and don’ts of consumer law. This has also included guidance for trader recommendation sites and how they can better guide and protect consumers.

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Commenting on the advice for the sector, CMA interim senior director of consumer protection Hayley Fletcher said: “Not only does this help protect consumers, it also means that the thousands of reliable and honest professionals who rely on these sites to connect with customers are competing on a level playing field.  

“We expect all trader recommendation sites to carefully read the advice and review their practices. We’ll be monitoring the sector to see if more action is needed.”

The FMB, which provides a ‘find a builder’ service, has welcomed these steps and is pushing for the government to continue with this progress.

“For too long in Britain, 'cowboy builders' have been ripping people off and providing poor-quality services,” said Brian Berry, CEO of the FMB. “Going forward it is very positive that the CMA will have stronger enforcement powers to investigate trader recommendation sites that are not complying with their obligations.

“We now need to see the government implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Report and introduce a mandatory licensing scheme to set minimum competency standards for building companies.”