Yeah, but can I point out a bit of an issue with 'tightening up' the security on websites like that?
Firstly, mybuilder is **** for finding trades people. Still, with the internet, the vast majority of tradesmen are found through verbal, word of mouth, this is amusing considering we are in the age of technology.
Secondly, online advertisements and boasting of credentials/ qualifications is not a measure of competance.
Thirdly, the trader (if a good one or a bad one) will use credentials/qualifications to boost their prices, which makes consumers wary about taking them on. It is supposed to give consumer confidence, that's the motivation, but it doesn't always do that. As a result, you can get good tradesmen pricing themselves out of the market leaving con men to pick up work on the cheap.
Fourtly, it can worsen paranoia that a consumer has about being ripped off/finding the perfect builder, leaving them with unrealistic expectations. For example, it may make them fall out with a builder over what is a reasonable variation in price, where a compromise would have worked.
Many more negatives could be added to this list ... ...
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The trouble is none of these schemes/ articles/ fear mongering are EVER going to act as a suitable substitute for common sense. We need more trust, because that is was builds relationships and gets the best for both parties. I really think the BBC should lay off this type of thing, especially seeing as they are skally wags themselves, threatening people to pay for their **** and nasty programmes.
Also, I fail to accept that every cowboy builder in the UK has chosen this road for themselves? Competency schemes are expensive, if the person in question never got the education, opportunities, money, what else can he really do other than go out and start taking on and ****ing up peoples properties in order to learn? If a bad builder is given the opportunity to learn a better way, are you telling me we wouldn't take the opporunity? Some wouldn't, most would I think.
Also, I'm not defending cowboys who really do know better but are straight up conmen/criminals, but I think this accounts for the vast minority. Most people are honest and good people and I think do their best to the limit of their skills. As a nation, if we were pumping out quality trades people (which is what the educational insitutions are for) you wouldn't need elitist competency schemes, as there would be no need for them, as everyone would be well trained.
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I see many different angles to it.
