This equates to an average loss of £1,139 per person, with 12% of homeowners having personally lost money to poor quality work.

Beyond the financial impact, the research points to growing concerns about health and safety and consumer confidence, with 12% of Welsh respondents admitting they felt unsafe or intimidated by a builder in their home — a higher proportion than in many parts of the UK — and 21% reported feeling uncomfortable when allowing a builder they didn’t know into their property.

Satisfaction with completed work is also comparatively low, with only 33% of people in Wales saying the work met or exceeded expectations.

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FMB Cymru is now calling on the next Welsh government to work alongside those in Westminster to introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for building companies.

 “Wales has a proud tradition of skilled local builders, but this research makes clear that too many homeowners are still falling victim to incompetent tradespeople,” said Ifan Glyn, director at FMB Cymru.

“When communication breaks down or homeowners don’t feel equipped to ask the right questions, it becomes far easier for rogue builders to slip through the net.

“A mandatory licensing scheme would ensure that every builder meets minimum professional standards, giving consumers confidence, raising the overall quality of the industry in Wales — and protecting the reputation of those builders who do a brilliant job — like our members.”