Can I Report a Builder to Trading Standards?

If you've had poor work from a builder, your first instinct might be to report them to Trading Standards. While you can do this, most people don't understand what Trading Standards actually does - and more importantly, what it doesn't do.

What Trading Standards Actually Does

Trading Standards is a local authority service that monitors businesses for compliance with consumer protection laws. When you report a builder, here's what really happens:

• They record your complaint - It goes into a database
• They look for patterns - If multiple people report the same builder, they may investigate
• They might take action - But only if there's widespread fraud or serious safety issues
• They won't help your specific case - Your individual dispute isn't their focus

The reality? Unless your builder is running a large-scale scam affecting dozens of people, Trading Standards probably won't take any action that helps you personally.

What Trading Standards Doesn't Do

This is what most people don't realize when they contact Trading Standards:

• ❌ Won't get your money back - They have no power to order refunds
• ❌ Won't force the builder to fix the work - They're not a mediation service
• ❌ Won't take the builder to court for you - That's your responsibility
• ❌ Won't cover your remedial costs - You're still paying to fix the bad work
• ❌ Won't respond quickly - Cases can take months or years to investigate
• ❌ Won't help with civil disputes - Poor workmanship is usually a civil matter, not criminal

Trading Standards vs Small Claims Court

Here's the honest comparison between reporting to Trading Standards and taking your builder to small claims court:

When Should You Report to Trading Standards?

Don't get us wrong - there are situations where reporting to Trading Standards makes sense, but it should be in addition to taking direct action, not instead of it:

• After you've filed your court claim - Report them to help protect future customers
• If you suspect fraud - They're taking deposits and disappearing repeatedly
• If there's a safety issue - Work that poses danger to the public
• If they're operating illegally - No insurance, no qualifications for gas/electrical work

But remember: even in these cases, Trading Standards won't compensate you. You still need to take them to court to recover your money.

The Small Claims Court Alternative

Taking a builder to small claims court might sound intimidating, but it's actually the most effective way to get compensation. Here's why:

• Designed for regular people - No lawyer needed
• Quick resolution - Most cases resolve in 2-4 months
• You get real money back - Court orders the builder to pay
• Can claim up to £10,000 - Covers most domestic building disputes
• High success rate - Courts side with homeowners when there's clear evidence
• Enforceable judgment - Bailiffs can seize assets if they don't pay

What You Can Claim For

Through small claims court, you can recover all your actual losses:

• Money paid to the builder for substandard work
• Cost to hire another tradesperson to fix or complete the work
• Cost of materials wasted due to poor workmanship
• Survey or expert inspection fees
• Alternative accommodation if your home was uninhabitable
• Court fees (if you win)

How JustClaim Makes It Easy

JustClaim removes the complexity from taking legal action against your builder:

• 5-minute case assessment - Our AI legal assistant evaluates your case and tells you if you have a strong claim
• Automatic document generation - We create your Letter Before Action and court claim form (N1)
• Plain English guidance - No confusing legal jargon, just clear instructions
• Direct court filing - Submit your claim online, no trips to the post office
• Transparent pricing - No hidden fees or £300/hour solicitor costs

Real Results vs Empty Reports

The choice is clear: you can submit a report to Trading Standards that probably won't lead anywhere, or you can take direct legal action that gets you compensated.

Trading Standards is useful for flagging bad builders to protect future customers, but it won't help you recover your losses. For that, you need to go to court - and with JustClaim, it's easier than you think.

Common Questions

What if the builder has already been reported to Trading Standards?

That actually strengthens your case. If Trading Standards has a record of complaints against the builder, you can reference this in your court claim as evidence of a pattern of poor work.

Can I do both - report AND sue?

Absolutely. In fact, we recommend it. Sue them to get your money back, and report them to Trading Standards to protect future customers. Just don't expect Trading Standards to solve your problem.

Do I need a solicitor for small claims court?

No. The small claims track is specifically designed for people to represent themselves. JustClaim gives you all the guidance and documents you need without paying £300+ per hour for a solicitor.

What if the builder ignores the court claim?

If they don't respond, you automatically win by default judgment. The court will order them to pay, and you can use bailiffs or other enforcement methods to collect.

Take Action Today

Don't waste weeks waiting for Trading Standards to maybe do something that won't help you anyway. Take control of your situation with a proper legal claim that gets results.

The process is simpler than you think, and with JustClaim, you'll have professional guidance every step of the way - without the professional fees.

Start your free case assessment now and see exactly what you can claim back from your builder.