Avoid becoming a victim of rogue traders by following the latest advice issued by the Office of Fair Trading.

It has released 12 tips for residents after being made aware of flyers being delivered through the door for home improvements from an unregistered business.

OFT chairman Martyn Perkins MHK said: ’The OFT is very concerned about the possibility of householders giving home improvement work to traders who can’t be easily identified from flyers stuck through the letterbox.

’Householders should be very cautious before doing this and should always take the time to check out the trader’s credentials.

’Issues such as workmanship, insurance and health and safety are much more important considerations than a professional flyer.’

The OFT’s advice:

â?¢ Don’t employ traders who call at your home without a prior appointment - consider reporting this to the OFT or the police, as it is illegal.

â?¢ Don’t be pressurised into having work done - call the police or OFT if a trader is pestering you.

â?¢ Don’t fall for patter such as ’I’m working on the roof next door and have noticed your roof is in a terrible state’.

â?¢ Don’t part with a significant amount of cash up front.

â?¢ Obtain a detailed written breakdown of the work to be carried out - vague written statements, e.g. ’replace tiles’ should not be accepted.

â?¢ Ask for time to think about it before you agree to having any work done.

â?¢ Ask yourself whether the work needs doing - if you have doubts, seek a second opinion from another trader or discuss it with friends, neighbours or relatives.

â?¢ Be wary of apparently marvellous reviews and recommendations that can’t be validated.

â?¢ Obtain at least two further quotes if you believe the work is necessary - be wary if one trader is significantly cheaper than the others and ask for quotes not estimates .

â?¢ Check claims made by the trader in an advert, on a business card or on a van - e.g. that a trader claiming to be a member of any association actually is a member.

â?¢ Keep an eye on how the trader goes about his work - alarm bells should ring if the trader said scaffolding will be used but then sends someone up a ladder to do the job.

â?¢ Don’t be pressurised into paying for the work if you’re not happy with it

For more advice,see the OFT’s leaflet ’Home Improvements - A guide to having work done on your home.