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Citizens Advice Report: 1 in 4 Homeowners Hit by Bad Repairs
Citizens Advice Report: 1 in 4 Homeowners Hit by Bad Repairs
A sobering landmark report released by Citizens Advice has revealed a growing crisis of trust in the UK home improvement sector, with millions of homeowners left out of pocket by dodgy tradespeople.
According to a newly released report by Citizens Advice, 4.8 million homeowners faced significant problems with home repairs in the last 18 months. Those who had to fix shoddy work lost an average of £750, with 1 in 10 losing over £5,000. KJM Group, established in 1983, urges homeowners to verify credentials like GGF and FENSA memberships and look for Insurance-Backed Guarantees to protect their investments.
The Real Cost of Poor Workmanship
The Citizens Advice study, based on a national survey of UK householders, highlighted that problems were most common in key home improvement areas—including energy efficiency upgrades, window and door replacements, room renovations, and roofing projects.
As an established home improvement company serving Hampshire and the surrounding counties since 1983, these findings are disappointing to read—yet not entirely surprising. At KJM Group, we have spent over four decades building our reputation on craftsmanship, complete transparency, and long-term customer protection. To see millions of homeowners losing money and sleep over dodgy contractors is a clear signal that choosing the right installation partner matters more than ever.
The Impact on UK Homeowners
- Affected Homeowners: An estimated 4.8 million homeowners experienced significant repair/installation issues in the last 18 months.
- Financial Loss: Those who had to pay to fix shoddy work or were overcharged lost an average of £750. For 1 in 10, extra costs exceeded £5,000.
- Emotional Impact: 37% reported severe stress as a result of the dispute, while 12% felt unsafe in their own homes due to unfinished work.
- Resolution Barriers: Of those who tried to get problems rectified, 82% faced obstacles—including ignored calls, delays, or lack of clear escalation routes.
The Breakdown of Consumer Trust
The wider issue identified by Citizens Advice is a growing loss of trust in the home repairs market. Because homeowners fear hiring rogue traders, many are making decisions that could harm their properties in the long run:
- Delaying Necessary Repairs: Over 26% of homeowners are delaying or completely avoiding essential home maintenance because they don’t know who to trust.
- Risky DIY: Roughly 28% of people attempted complex home improvement jobs themselves to avoid calling in a professional.
- Difficulty Verifying Credentials: 20% of homeowners who tried to use an “approved” trader reported that verifying their actual credentials or insurance was confusing and difficult.
How KJM Group Protects Your Home and Wallet
Citizens Advice noted that many homeowners are left to “fend for themselves” when contractors disappear or go bust. At KJM Group, we operate under a completely different set of values—backed by real, verifiable consumer safeguards:
- Trading Since 1983: We aren’t a fly-by-night operation. We have operated continuously across Andover, Hampshire, and neighboring counties for over 40 years. Our long history means our warranties mean something.
- GGF & FENSA Accreditation: As active members of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and FENSA, our double glazing, triple glazing, and door installations adhere strictly to UK building regulations.
- GGFi Insurance-Backed Guarantees: Every installation comes with independent insurance protection, ensuring your financial investment is covered no matter what.
- Which? Trusted Trader & Checkatrade Approved: You don’t have to take our word for it—our customer reviews and business practices are independently vetted.
- Cast-Iron “No Pressure” Promise: We don’t do hard-sell tactics, fake “today-only” discounts, or aggressive salespeople in your home. We provide honest, straightforward quotes first time, every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for official body memberships such as FENSA or the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). You should also check how long the company has been trading under the exact same name at Companies House, and verify their presence on third-party platforms like Which? Trusted Traders or Checkatrade.
An Insurance-Backed Guarantee (such as our GGFi protection) ensures that if an installation firm ceases trading, your written guarantee remains fully valid and underwritten by an independent insurance policy. This protects your investment for the full length of the guarantee period.
A reputable installer will never ask for full payment upfront. It is standard industry practice to pay a reasonable deposit upon ordering, with stage payments or the final balance payable only when the work is fully installed and completed to your satisfaction.
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Ready to Upgrade Your Home Safely?
If you’re planning a home improvement project in Hampshire, Wiltshire, or Berkshire, talk to a company you can trust. Contact our experienced team to discuss your plans with complete peace of mind.
Get a Free, No-Pressure Quote- Citizens Advice Report: 1 in 4 Homeowners Hit by Bad Repairs - 3 August 2026
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