FEAR of being exploited by ''cowboy'' builders is stopping home-owners from carrying out essential repair work to their houses, writes Aine Harrington.
A report published yesterday reveals worries about high costs and mistrust of builders and surveyors mean many people put off doing work - letting problems get worse - or try to do it themselves.
The report - by Professor Moira Munro of Heriot-Watt University, and Professor Philip Leather, of South Bank University, London - was funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and conducted in Scotland and England.
It said many people were more concerned about finding a trustworthy builder than getting the best price. They were worried unreliable builders would carry out poor work, leave a mess, put up costs as the job went on, have a bad attitude, or be reluctant to sort out problems which developed after they left.
Another problem revealed was ignorance about long-term costs of putting off maintenance work and the need to make provision to meet these costs.
The report called for the setting up of a scheme for ''recommended'' builders, based on stringent vetting and an agreed disputes procedure to help owners find a reliable builder.
Mortgage lenders and the Government could also help by raising awareness about keeping homes in good repair and offering advice on dealing with problems.
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