The builder who calls at your door says they are doing some work in the area and has spotted a loose tile on your roof. They offer to fix it for a good price that you agree to.

But when they go up on their ladder to inspect the problem, they see another problem. Rain has been splashing out of the gutters and the wood around them is getting damaged. The only solution, the builder says, is to have rigid PVC trays installed to divert the water.

More rain is forecast and you are worried about what damage could be done so you pay the builder via bank transfer to get the job done there and then. They are gone within an hour, having apparently completed the work.

But nothing was done because there was no problem with your guttering.…