A survey has revealed the price homeowners can pay in the UK by accidentally hiring rogue plumbers and heating engineers instead of professionals with proof of competency.
According to the survey of 1,000 homeowners, commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), those unfortunate enough to have hired a suspected unscrupulous plumber or heating engineer, on average spent an eye watering £1,883 to cover the cost of additional work and repairs to put it right.
With over three quarters of British public (76%) concerned about accidently hiring a ‘rogue trader’, it has also been revealed that nearly two thirds (62%) of homeowners would choose to pay more for a plumbing and heating engineer who could evidence their professionalism, versus a cheaper quote from an engineer who could not. To avoid any potential issues, homeowners shared that on average they spend 65 minutes researching who to employ.
Even allowing for concerns about the risks of hiring a rogue trader, the overall reputation of plumbing and heating engineers is high, with 76% of homeowners stating that they trust that engineers will do a good job in their home.
When it comes to how often homeowners are booking in a service, 66% of homeowners have an annual heating system service, compared to only 39% investing in a yearly check of the household plumbing.
While only 28% of homeowners revealed that the last time a plumber or heating engineer visited their home because of an emergency, of those callouts heating (64%) was the number one reason, followed by plumbing (50%) and then drainage (19%) issues.
Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer at the CIPHE, said: “It is heartening to see that plumbing and heating engineers are highly regarded by homeowners. But our survey shows that many are concerned about rogue traders posing as professionals and, for those who have unfortunately been deceived, the cost of rectifying potentially dangerous work can be excessive.
“It must also be taken into account that many homeowners are not taking their search for a specialist lightly and the appetite for certified professionals to do work in their home is absolutely there.
“The fact that the majority of UK homeowners would be willing to pay more for a plumbing and heating engineer who could evidence their professionalism, versus a cheaper quote from an engineer who could not, is very encouraging. At the CIPHE, we are dedicated to promoting professionalism. In fact, we are unique in providing individual recognition linked to a Code of Professional Standards for those holding relevant plumbing and heating qualifications and experience. This means that tradespeople and homeowners can trust the CIPHE as a measure of quality. For the trade, becoming a CIPHE member showcases proficiency of skill, and for the homeowner this provides peace of mind when they use the CIPHE to find details of registered plumbing and heating professionals in their local area.”
