Elderly Parents Had A New Roof Fitted by Dodgy Builder - Please Help!

[missmooch]

Hi

In an attempt to be as brief as possible here is an outline of the situation.....my elderly 86 year old parents had a new roof fitted and it basically needs redoing (on the advice of a local reputable roofer). The original 'roofers' were cowboys. The owner of the roofing company has been to prison for 5 years in 2012 for conning an elderly couple out of their home, so I guess my parents have somewhat gotten off lightly.

We have instructed solicitors and sent an LBA, to which we have unsurprisingly received no response. I had spoken with CAB prior to the solicitor's instruction and they tell me they inform Trading Standards. Funnily enough it was Trading Standards that got the 'roofer' his 5 year conviction.

I guess my questions are what do we need to next?

I would like to talk to Trading Standards, but this seems impossible, as you have to rely on CAB to liaise with them as an intermediary. Anyone an idea on how to speak directly with them?

Do my parents need to have to roof redone and paid for before we can continue to court, or will the reputable roofers quote be adequate?

If so, do we also need a further 2 quotes?

Many thanks for any help - obviously this stress is the last thing my parents need at 86, and I am trying to help as much as I can.

[echat11]

I'm sorry that's happened to your elderly parents.

There should be an email address for Trading Standards, you'll need to do some Googling.
Trading Standards had some 'bite' when consumers had 'Direct Access'.

I think quotes from 'reputable' should be 'fine', but I 'fear' that your parents might have to get the work done first.

But you'll need to fine out if the builder has any assets before you start 'legal' action.

Contact Trading Standards is the best route.

[echat11]

Try the following, you'll get an auto email.

XXXXXX = name of Council

tradingstandards@XXXXXXXXXX.gov.uk

[Pezza54]

Did the reputable roofer take photos of the poor workmanship/materials to back up his quote?
Hopefully he did as this will be strong evidence to prove your parent's claim
My advice is only to carry out emergency works to prevent further water damage
If the original roofer disputes the claim, arguing that the whole new roof does not (or did not) require replacing, then the judge may direct an expert (qualified building surveyor) to prepare a report on the new roof faults.
The expert will not be able to inspect the roof and write a report if the new roof is replaced

[Hen144]

Sorry to hear about your situation MISSMOOCH.

I do feel for your parents and being elderly myself and having been conned I wish you well. If you've sent a letter before action I guess you should follow through and take them to court.

CAB passed my case to Trading Standards in 2023 who asked for more details and photos but then I heard nothing back. My rogue trader has previous convictions for defrauding elderly people too. I involved my MP and her caseworker wrote to Trading Standards on my behalf and I received a reply and apology from Trading Standards but they'd closed the case. I'm currently waiting to hear back from the County Court but I doubt very much if I will get my money back. The rogue who did my driveway is now working as a roofer!

[missmooch]

Thank you all so much for your kind and informative replies. You are all stars!

ECHAT11 - thank you for your kind words and the email address, really helpful. I will try and write to Trading Standards today. I have asked our solicitor to check on assets. The rogue trader does not work under a limited company, which may (fingers crossed) be to our benefit. He actually told my mum he had been sacked and couldnt help her further - yet he's the owner...beggars belief!

PEZZA54 - thank you, good point!

HEN144 - thank you for your kind words, and my heartfelt sympathy to you. You have to wonder what kind of people are they, and how they sleep at night? Noted about contacting local MP if Trading Standards drag their heels. Good luck with your claim. The positive for you is at least he's working (funny how these rogues have such transferrable skills isn't it - drives to roofer!), you at least have the option to use an attachment of earnings.

[Hen144]

missmooch

Sadly an MP will not become involved in cases like these down to the legal aspect but at least they can contact Trading Standards if you get no response.

In my case my complaints were ignored until I left a review on a site that connects customers to businesses and on the strength of that review I was told it could cost them thousands! It was on that same site I could see the business is registered to the son as sole trader and VAT registered. Yet it was the father who conned me and it's his bank details on the son's business invoice. "The father must be flying under the radar" methinks.

I would suggest you do some further research on the business, leave some honest reviews if you can as the business won't like bad publicity. Depending if your parent's dodgy roofer is on one of those sites you should be able to liaise with them. Good luck.

[Hen144]

missmooch

Jut a thought, you say you had spoken with CAB prior to the solicitor's instruction and they told you they inform Trading Standards. If CAB pass your case to Trading Standards they will give you a reference number. If I were you I would ask CAB to refer your case.