New DIY tool helps you see if builders are ripping you off with quotes

HOMEOWNERS can now use a new tool that will help stop them getting ripped off with quotes for DIY work.

Checkatrade has launched its Job Estimate Calculator - a free AI tool that generates price estimates for different home improvement jobs.

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The tool uses factors like where you live, the seasonal demand and material costs to give an accurate estimate.

It's based on data from more than 1.5million completed jobs and 50,000 vetted tradespeople.

The aim is to stop homeowners from getting ripped off by so-called "cowboy builders".

Last month, The Sun revealed a dad had been left almost bankrupt after sinking £120,000 on a nightmare loft conversion.

NHS nurse Marc Rodriguera said he sacked two different builders for their allegedly “shoddy” work and his home was almost written off due to structural damage during the two-year ordeal.

A mum also told our paper she had her life ruined after "cowboy builders" took nearly £200,000 for a home renovation.

Checkatrade revealed last year it had seen a 13% rise in rogue builders trying to join its platform.

It said that in a six-month period it had turned away a record 668 workers who failed its sign-up checks.

Official figures estimate unscrupulous traders cost homeowners about £1.4billion a year.

Now, homeowners can use Checkatrade's new tool by inputting the type of tradesperson they need, details of their project and add a brief description.

They should then receive an instant quote to give them an idea of what the service will cost.

These are some examples of how much jobs might cost, according to the tool:

• Bathroom designer in West Midlands (in May): 
  • Estimated job cost £4,883 (with an estimated range of £2,905 - £9,064)
• Window cleaning in North West for a four-bedroom house (in April): 
  • Estimated job cost £25 (with an estimated range of £19 - £38)
• Asbestos testing in London (in June):
  •  Estimated job cost £219 (with an estimated range of £160 - £324)
• Fixing a smoke alarm in Wales (in May): 
  • Estimated job cost £103 (with an estimated range of £78 - £142)
• Replace kitchen worktops in Northern Ireland (in August)
  • Estimated job cost £801 (with an estimated range of £448 - £1,604)

Separately, Checkatrade has also launched its Home Health Report tool which helps to assess a property's condition.

It uses AI to analyse photos of your homes exterior to generate a personalised report with maintenance recommendations, insights on energy efficiency, and property value.

The aim is to help identify problems before they escalate, help with energy efficiency and make sure your home is safe.

What are the warning signs you're dealing with a cowboy builder?

If you're hiring someone for the first time, you should watch out for red flags.

These can be:

• Asking for a cash payment upfront (before they've started the job)
• Not offering you an official contract for the work
• Not providing written estimates with a timeline and costs for the job
• Not providing references from previous satisfied clients
• Knocking on your door and saying they've noticed you need work doing
• Not having an official premises or landline phone number
• Not being a member of a reputable trade group, such as the Federation of Master Builders or the National Federation of Builders

You should probably avoid hiring someone if you spot these warning signs.

It's also worth checking the company's reviews before you go ahead.

What to do if you're a victim

If you think you've experienced shoddy building work, there are several steps you can take.

First, you should record evidence of what happened.

Make notes of all the issues you've had and the people you have been dealing with.

Also keep hold of any paperwork or communications, and take photos of the work that's been done.

You may want to report them to the police, as their bad practice could constitute fraud.

You should also contact Trading Standards, as they can give you advice on what to do next and potentially help you negotiate a settlement.