Rogue Trader Found Guilty of Substandard Roof Work

A SELF-EMPLOYED trader who carried out substandard roofing repairs on a property was fined £500 at Derry Magistrates’ Court on 1 September 2025.

David Douglas, trading as First Fix Roofing was ordered to pay £11,350 in compensation to the victim.

In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service in Northern Ireland, David Douglas (22), of Greenfields Way, Weston-Super-Mare, was found guilty of two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Substandard Roof Work

The consumer complained to Trading Standards after employing First Fix Roofing to carry out repair work to the roof of his property, as it was leaking.

The householder paid David Douglas £8,100 for the roofing work to be carried out. As soon as the work was completed the roof continued to leak so the consumer contacted the trader in an attempt to resolve the matter.

David Douglas assured his customer that the issues with the roof would be rectified but he never returned to the property.

An expert surveyor’s report said that the First Fix Roofing trader lacked the most basic skills, knowledge, and experience of a competent roofing contractor. The report concluded that the roof needed to be completely stripped and replaced to be brought to standard.

The householder had no choice other than to employ another roofer to have the roof properly repaired at a further cost of over £6,500.

Remedial Costs

Monica Mahoney of Trading Standards said: “This is an example of a rogue trader carrying out substandard work, leaving his victim with huge remedial costs. At a time of rising prices it is hugely important for consumers to have confidence in local tradespeople and to receive good quality workmanship and professional services.”

Employing a Tradesperson Checklist

Trading Standards checklist for consumers seeking a reputable tradesperson:

• Ask your neighbours, family and friends for recommendations.
• Speak to previous customers for references and view the work, where possible.
• Check if they are a member of a trade body with an arbitration scheme.
• Take your time on a decision, do not be pressurised into making a decision.
• Get at least three written quotes to compare.
• Never agree to work following a cold call or knock at the door.
• Never pay for work up front and part pay by card for added protection.
• Only pay for work once you are happy that it has been completed to the agreed standard.
• Always get a detailed written contract and agree a fixed price.
• Be careful when using online trading platforms and be aware that traders who respond to requests for work may not be trustworthy.

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