According to new research shared by LBC, so-called “cowboy builders” have cost British homeowners an eye-watering £14.3 billion over the past five years.
The figures, revealed by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), paint a worrying picture of an industry where too many people are left high and dry after putting their trust (and savings) into the wrong hands.
The report found that:
37% of adults have hired an unreliable or unqualified builder
35% were hit with unexpected extra costs
16% gave up on projects entirely
And 1 in 5 saw their jobs left unfinished
As FMB Chief Brian explains, the problem stems from the fact that “anyone can set themselves up as a builder, regardless of their experience or qualifications.”
When you’re investing in something as significant as a new kitchen, those statistics are enough to make anyone nervous.
Which is exactly why choosing a company like Paragon Designs makes all the difference.
Why Paragon Customers Never Have to Worry About “Cowboy Builders”
At Paragon Designs, we’ve built our reputation not only on beautiful kitchens, but also on trust, craftsmanship, and complete accountability.
We don’t just design stunning kitchens; we make sure they’re installed perfectly and stress-free.
Our installation work is managed by our partners, Signature Projects – a highly reputable and long-established brand that can take on build work of any size, from simple refits to full structural renovations.
That means every stage of your project, from layout to lighting to plastering and plumbing, is handled by trusted professionals who share our standards of excellence.
Accredited, Accountable, and Proudly BIFIS Registered
We’re proud to be BIFIS Registered (that’s the British Institute of Fitted Interior Specialists), and our partners at Signature Projects were one of the very first businesses in the UK to be awarded AiM (Accredited Installation Methods) certification.
BIFIS is the leading authority in our industry for promoting professional installation practices, and being registered is far more than a formality. It’s a commitment to transparency, quality, and accountability – the very values that protect homeowners from the risks highlighted in LBC’s report.
As a BIFIS member, we promise to uphold the highest standards in every project we undertake. From the initial drawing to the final screw, everything we do is designed to deliver peace of mind as well as beautiful results.
A Better Way to Build Your Dream Kitchen
So, while the headlines may make for grim reading, you can rest assured that your project is safe with us. At Paragon Designs, we take pride in offering a professional, fully accredited, and genuinely inspirational service, this ensures your project isn’t just beautifully designed, it’s manufactured and installed with elegance.
If you’re planning a renovation and want to avoid becoming another statistic, speak to our team today and discover how we can make your dream kitchen a reality, without the drama.
Frequently Asked Question
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Research shows that unreliable builders have cost UK homeowners billions. Choosing an experienced, accredited company reduces the risk of unexpected costs, poor workmanship or unfinished projects.
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Yes. Paragon Designs works with trusted installation partners to manage kitchen installation and associated building work as part of the project.
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Yes. Paragon's installation service can coordinate different aspects of the project, including plumbing, plastering and lighting, alongside the kitchen installation.
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It means the company is committed to professional standards, transparency, quality workmanship and accountability throughout the project.
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Choose an experienced kitchen company with clear project responsibility, professional installation standards and trusted installation partners. This helps provide greater accountability throughout the project.
