“I employed a builder, member of the FMB, to refurbish the kitchen and ground floor cloakroom. The work carried out was very much substandard and I was charged extortianote rates for materials provided e.g. £267.73 + VAT for 2 sheets of plywood 2440x1220x18mm.
I contacted FMB and was referred to QASSS. I provided all the information requested by QASSS, copies of documents, emails, photos, videos... After two and a half months my case was passed to TD. Aggressive, unpleasant and definitely not a mediator. All the information I had provided was opinion based and therefore irrelevant. (even the cost of the two sheets of plywood).
I since have received a copy of the certicicate issued by the FMB stating :' the works carried out are in progress and satisfactory. No pictures supplied' The works were'finished'. FMB did not visit nor has any photo/video evidence.”
“FMB is a scam. They are ALWAYS on the side of their paying members , that is your builder. That is what I was told by their mediation QRSSS staff TD.
I had a rouge builder a member of FMB who was supposed to do an extension for us. Unfortunately although we did not sign a contract with this builder , we were forced to pay money on account to book a start day for the build. This builder and as soon as he received our 10,000 GBP, produced extras bill for 23,000GBP.
Since he did not start the build , we argued these extras. He said half of these new extras were error on his system, and the other half added by the new subcontracted builder. This builder then accepted another more expensive build 1.5M in Mayfair and rescinded the NON signed contract and took our 10 thousand pound money on account.
FMB was given all evidence but they assigned our case to QRSSS who were very rude and apart from confirming our details on the first 30m phone call, would not take any details of our dispute. Their staff TD said that we can submit what we want through email. But then she sent very hostile email stating that she wants only specific information using the same tone of the builders.
I, under the freedom of information act, asked for a copy of the phone call and written emails, this reviled the soft friendly tone with the builders and the hostile aggressive tone towards us.
On discussing this with FMB, we agreed that another more transparent member of QRSSS handles our file. This was rejected by LH friend of TD who was very rude and aggressive.
FMB did not acknowledge my evidence and dismissed my case without investigation.
I have reported this to CAB and they have now reported FMB to Trading Standards.
I am also now taking my builder to small claim court with the help of CAB, as FMB are only money making machine, not for consumers organisation.”
