The problem of so-called cowboy builders is again highlighted in the Telegraph & Argus today. And in difficult financial times, it is easy to understand why householders can be tempted to take the cheap option when looking at work that needs doing.

Unfortunately, the phrase buy cheap, buy twice has never been more relevant. Too many shoddy outfits are using the opportunity of the recession to undercut more professional operations.

But all too often, these firms at best cut corners and are unprofessional. And at worse, they can not only leave the householder tens of thousands out of pocket, but also facing a far worse problem than when they started.

The house in Keighley where a conservatory was built over a public sewer is a case in point. And other examples include companies going into liquidation before completing massive refurbishment projects, or paying for work which eventually had to be pulled down because of a failure to get planning permission.

For householders affected by this sort of sloppy workmanship, the aftermath can be devastating. Apart from the money which is often lost, it causes untold stress and misery when they are left to pick up the pieces.

Which is why it is so important to be as cautious and careful as possible when selecting a builder. Ask for and check written references and contact reputable trade organisations, particularly those whose members offer insurance-backed guarantees. Insist on written contracts for the work and don’t pay out large cash advances.

The shoddy builders give the vast majority of our hardworking tradesman a bad name. But their quotes are often the cheapest, so buyer beware.