This figure contributes to overall losses of £14.3bn UK-wide.

In Northern Ireland specifically, FMB research found that 27% of homeowners have hired unreliable builders, with 10% hiring unqualified ones.

On average, Northern Irish homeowners are more likely than those in other parts of the UK to request payment plans from builders — 15% against the UK’s 9% — and 11% have been forced to take second jobs to cover costs.

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Using this research, the FMB is launching a campaign to lobby the Northern Ireland Assembly to introduce a licensing framework for the country’s builders.

“With families taking second jobs or begging for payment plans just to fix leaks or keep homes habitable, we're witnessing a maintenance crisis,” said Steven Nickell, president at FMB Northern Ireland.

“Basic repairs shouldn't bankrupt households — that's why mandatory licensing is essential to protect consumers and genuine small builders like myself and other FMB members.

“A licensing system would actually help honest builders by weeding out the cowboys who undercut us and destroy our reputation.”