Specifically, the FMB found Essex to be the hardest hit area with an estimated £448m in losses over this period.

The FMB has carried out consistency-level research and found that Colchester fared the worst, where homeowners have lost an estimated £29m.

This was closely followed by homeowners in Thurrock, Harlow and Chelmsford who are estimated to have lost £28.8m, £27.7m and £27.5m, respectively.

Across the East of England, 12% of homeowners reported losing money to a rogue or unqualified builder, with an average loss of £2,612 per affected household.

More than a third (38%) of homeowners in the region have hired a builder later found to be unqualified or unlicensed.

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Specifically in Essex, 21% of homeowners have lost money to an unqualified or unlicensed builder, and 39% were completely satisfied with the final result of their building work.

Nicola De Sousa, FMB regional director, described the findings as “just sad.”

“I speak to a lot of homeowners and there's a genuine anxiety about who they're inviting into their home, and that breaks my heart, because most builders are decent, hardworking people,” said Nicola, who is pushing for licensing to be introduced for builders.

“[Licensing would give] builders a way to prove they're legitimate before they've even stepped over the threshold.

“Until then, choosing an FMB member is the closest thing homeowners have to that reassurance."