Isle of Wight homeowners have lost almost £29 million to rogue builders, new research reveals — with more than a third of Islanders admitting they have hired someone who turned out to be unqualified or unlicensed.
The research, commissioned by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), found homeowners in Isle of Wight East lost £14,349,020 and those in Isle of Wight West lost £14,621,068 — £28.97 million across the Island.
More than a third of Islanders (35%) have hired a builder who turned out to be unqualified or unlicensed. Among those left out of pocket — 13% of Islanders — the average loss was £1,884.
The damage goes beyond the money already lost. One in six Islanders (16%) have delayed or abandoned building work altogether because they couldn't find a builder they trusted, holding back home improvements, energy efficiency upgrades and work for local tradespeople.
Nearly seven in ten (69%) say mandatory licensing would give them more confidence when choosing a builder.
Anyone can legally call themselves a builder in the UK today. No qualifications, no vetting, no inspections.
The FMB is campaigning for a mandatory Licence to Build to protect homeowners, raise standards and let reputable firms compete on a level playing field. Southside Maintenance Limited, based in Wootton, is a vetted and inspected FMB member backing the campaign.
Richard Hopcroft, Director of Southside Maintenance Limited, said:
"The trust I have with my clients on the Island exists because we've been vetted and inspected. Right now, anyone can set themselves up as a builder tomorrow morning with no qualifications and no checks whatsoever. It's Island homeowners and reputable builders who pay the price when it all goes wrong."
Iain Kirtley, Director of FMB South, said:
"A Licence to Build would benefit reputable builders but, most importantly, homeowners across the Isle of Wight. Our members are vetted and inspected, and we know Islanders value that reassurance. Licensing would give them greater confidence when choosing a builder and help stop people being ripped off."
Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, said:
"Almost £15 million lost by families in my constituency alone is a staggering figure. Behind every pound of that is an Islander who trusted the wrong person with their home. There is no good reason why anyone should be able to call themselves a builder without a single check on their competence. It is honest, hard-working Island tradespeople who are undercut by those who cut corners."
Richard Quigley has spoken in his support of Licensing in the past on the Build Up from the Basement Podcast.
