Warning over dodgy roofers



Home owners are being warned against a roofing repair company who seem to cause more problems than they solve - yet still walk away with several thousands of pounds.

Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards department has received complaints from householders about the quality of work carried out by cold calling roofing repairers trading as G 'n' A Roofline Services, with a Cheshire address.

The firm offers to fit a dry verge cap system for gable ends - a system where plastic caps are fitted to the apex of the roof, and may initially quote a high price, but then offer a reduced rate to make householders feel that they are getting a bargain.

Prices may then be increased when other alleged faults are noticed, and in some instances the final bill can exceed £2,000.

Work is usually carried out by two workers and is of a poor standard. Some householders have been forced to pay out again for a reputable company to put the work right and fix leaks in their roofs.

They use white vans marked either GnA Roofline Services or SL, and also offer a ten year guarantee that may prove difficult to enforce, as the paperwork bears either no address or just an accommodation address.

Chief Trading Standards officer Jim Potts said: "We want to make Lancashire a no-go area for shoddy rip-off workmanship like this."

County councillor Jean Battle, cabinet member for community planning and partnerships, said: "If you are cold-called for this kind of work the trader should give written seven-day cancellation rights.

"Ask to look at another house the trader has worked on before agreeing to expensive work, get several detailed estimates or quotations before allowing work to start, and ensure the price you have been quoted includes VAT and that there are no hidden 'extras' that will be added in later. Obtain a detailed written agreement before the work starts, and a detailed invoice at the end."

Trading Standards are warning consumers not to engage cold calling property repairers.

If any householder has a complaint against these particular repairers they can contact Lancashire County Council directly on 01772 532145.

By Henry James

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