SCOTS are among the biggest victims of cowboy traders, a new survey shows today.
More than one in six householders north of the Border has suffered from dodgy workers botching jobs over the past five years.
The damage caused has cost a total of £737 million a year to fix across Britain, with 6.2 million people being affected.
Plumbers were the greatest cause of complaint, followed by roofers and builders, electricians, and painters and decorators.
Those who have suffered have paid out an average of £2,077 over the last five years, along with nearly £600 for repairs or completing unfinished work.
The poll showed just one third had sought several quotes or received a written quote first.
It found 17 per cent of those polled in Scotland had been victims, compared to 13 per cent across Britain. Only Londoners fared worse, 20 per cent of whom had lost out.
The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland warned people against agreeing to unsolicited offers.
Chairman Neil Coltart said: "When a tradesman appears at your door offering to replace the missing tiles on your roof or cutting back the trees in your garden, it may end up costing you more than you bargained for.
"Not all doorstep tradesmen are criminals but consumers should be on their guard when conducting business on their doorstep.
"Always ask for some form of identification from the trader, also get a quote and then compare their price with at least two other local businesses.
"Ask for a testimonial from other householders in the area."
Ben Tyte of Sainsbury's Home Insurance, which commissioned the survey, urged homeowners to use only reputable traders.
He said: "We're concerned so many homeowners have to rectify poor workmanship carried out by people they've employed in good faith to work in their homes. It's completely unacceptable the remedial costs are exceeding £700m."
More than one in six householders north of the Border has suffered from dodgy workers botching jobs over the past five years.
The damage caused has cost a total of £737 million a year to fix across Britain, with 6.2 million people being affected.
Plumbers were the greatest cause of complaint, followed by roofers and builders, electricians, and painters and decorators.
Those who have suffered have paid out an average of £2,077 over the last five years, along with nearly £600 for repairs or completing unfinished work.
The poll showed just one third had sought several quotes or received a written quote first.
It found 17 per cent of those polled in Scotland had been victims, compared to 13 per cent across Britain. Only Londoners fared worse, 20 per cent of whom had lost out.
The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland warned people against agreeing to unsolicited offers.
Chairman Neil Coltart said: "When a tradesman appears at your door offering to replace the missing tiles on your roof or cutting back the trees in your garden, it may end up costing you more than you bargained for.
"Not all doorstep tradesmen are criminals but consumers should be on their guard when conducting business on their doorstep.
"Always ask for some form of identification from the trader, also get a quote and then compare their price with at least two other local businesses.
"Ask for a testimonial from other householders in the area."
Ben Tyte of Sainsbury's Home Insurance, which commissioned the survey, urged homeowners to use only reputable traders.
He said: "We're concerned so many homeowners have to rectify poor workmanship carried out by people they've employed in good faith to work in their homes. It's completely unacceptable the remedial costs are exceeding £700m."
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