FMB STANDARDS COMMITTEE BUSINESS SUPPORT
THE COST OF IMPRECISION
T he FMB vets every membership application to ensure consumers and the building industry can trust FMB members. Every member agrees to abide by the FMB Code of Conduct and, if they breach it, the FMB Standards Committee needs to intervene. The committee can warn a business or expel them from the FMB. With members from across the UK and independent members from Trading Standards and the legal profession, the committee’s processes are robust and fair. An expulsion story Recently, a member – let’s call it XYZ for privacy – appeared before the committee. Employing three people and trading for 20 years, XYZ had been an FMB member for two years. It passed all vetting and checks when joining the FMB. The dispute: XYZ’s client complained to the FMB about defects in the £100,000 extension they commissioned, including a new roof. The client had an independent surveyor’s report showing the defects. Working separately with both parties, the FMB Dispute
Resolution Team began mediation to reach a solution. However the client-builder relationship had broken down so badly, common ground could not be found. XYZ refused to complete When members fail to adhere to the FMB’s high standards, action needs to be taken. Hayley Lorimer, FMB Director of Membership, explains
Appearing at the Standards Committee: The member attended the committee meeting, with the same information the committee had, including inspection reports, photographs and videos. The member said the client had been difficult, which was the root cause of their dispute. XYZ maintained there were no problems with its work, but the job was incomplete. Rushed to start the job by the client, XYZ reported not having time to plan the job or assess the drawings. After discussion with XYZ and opportunities for questions and answers, the committee made its decision. The decision: XYZ was expelled from the FMB due to: ● clear defects with XYZ’s work, which it did not take responsibility for ● XYZ not having systems in place to manage its work ● there being no written contracts in place – a key requirement of the FMB Code of Conduct ● XYZ’s ongoing membership likely bringing the FMB into disrepute. Insights to be gained Firstly, every contractor should ensure they have enough
Membership benefi ts Your FMB membership provides you with many benefits including mediation with the FMB Dispute Resolution Team and access to a variety of template contracts. All benefits can be found in the FMB Member App or on the website. preparation time for a job. Secondly, they should always have a written contract signed by the client, and record all changes in writing. The Building Safety Act requires all FMB members ensure their workers and subcontractors have the necessary competence to carry out work. If in doubt, seek expert advice. Problems between client and contractor can arise in any job. The Standards Committee expelled XYZ because it refused to take responsibility for poor work. Important note: Only a small number of members appear before the committee. Most uphold the highest standards, which is why we take action when any member does not.
the work because of the relationship breakdown.
The FMB sent an inspector to site, which is not a routine part of the service, to verify claims about workmanship. The inspector saw clear problems with the structure of the roof and movement in the staircase, which did not comply with building regulations. Additionally, there was no written contract in place or agreements in writing to confirm changes to the work.
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Master Builder
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