Bathroom, bedroom and kitchen specialists are among the expert tradespeople homeowners are searching for in record numbers.
Government-endorsed TrustMark, which provides a database of over 21,000 accredited tradespeople in the UK, has revealed that searches across all trades have increased by 79% in four months compared with the same period last year.
The figures recorded by the not-for-profit organisation indicate that the total searches for 2014 may double that of 2013.
Trades that saw the highest rise in searches include expert roofers – up 915%, flood recovery specialists – up 198%, and damp proofing and timber treatment specialists – up 156%. The results suggest homeowners are seeking flood prevention measures to protect their homes.
Searches for bathroom, bedroom and kitchen specialists collectively increased by 87%. Bathroom specialists led the pack at 37%, closely followed by bedroom specialists at 35% and kitchen specialists at 15%.
Plasterers and renderers were also highly sought-after tradespeople, with an 88% rise in searches, along with plumbing and heating engineers – up 83%, air conditioning specialists – up 79%, and painters and decorators – up 77%.
TrustMark's head of PR and marketing, Stuart Carter, said: “TrustMark is here to help provide consumers with choice, confidence and protection and to signpost them to reputable local firms and expert tradespeople working to Government-endorsed standards.”
What is TrustMark
TrustMark is a quality mark which operates a framework under which 26 scheme operators work in the RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) sector, including trade associations, local government trading standards teams, and independent scheme operators. These schemes are approved to carry the TrustMark logo and recruit reputable and trustworthy tradesmen. This enables the TrustMark scheme operators to promote improved RMI sector standards, and tackle related issues such as better enforcement. All of these scheme operators are audited annually by TrustMark, to ensure processes, standards and complaint procedures are being maintained.