The government is planning to get to tough on cowboy builders by giving councils greater powers to deal with poor construction work.
At present, contractors can only be prosecuted for breaches of building regulations within a six-month period after the completion of a project.
Ministers are now proposing that this time limit be increased to two years, as building defects may not become immediately apparent.
The Federation of Master Builders welcomed the announcement. "Honest, hard working builders have nothing to fear from these proposals," said spokesman Brian Berry. "We are reassured that the proposals will create no new burdens for fully compliant builders."
Almost 20 per cent of Britons have suffered at the hands of cowboy builders, according to research by Abbey Home Insurance, with many forced to pay for the repairs themselves as a result.
The average bill for damage to a property by sloppy workmen was £224, with one in ten homeowners having to deal with damage costing at least £1,000.
Meanwhile, in flood-hit Worcestershire, bogus builders could be given an Asbo if they try to rip off homeowners trying to repair their properties.
Related internet links:
Government consultation document on lengthening the time limit for prosecution of breaches of the Building Regulations
Federation of Master Builders
