RefundRoute UK

Rogue builder or poor-quality work

Can you get money back from your card provider when builders, roofers or tradespeople take a deposit and vanish or do poor work?

Half-finished house extension with abandoned scaffolding

Services are covered too

Section 75 covers services as well as goods. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, work must be done with reasonable care and skill, in a reasonable time and at a reasonable price if none was agreed.

How the price threshold works for building work

For a single contract of works, the relevant cash price is usually the whole contract. If the job is over £100 and not more than £30,000 and you paid any part by credit card, Section 75 may apply. Large extension projects can exceed £30,000.

Paid by bank transfer?

Neither Section 75 nor chargeback apply to bank transfers. If you were tricked into paying, contact your bank about the authorised push payment (APP) fraud reimbursement rules and report to Action Fraud (or Police Scotland).

Evidence that matters

  • Written quote or contract and payment receipts
  • Dated photos of the work
  • An independent surveyor's or trader's report and a quote to put it right
  • Messages with the builder

Last reviewed: November 2026. General information only — not legal advice.