Don't get robbed by dodgy repairmen. Here are five ways to spot a potential conman and save thousands...

1. “There’s a lot of extra work to be done.”
You’ll be surprised how many people fall for this scare-tactic. Don’t just take the repairman's word for it – get a second opinion!

2. “It’ll cost you more than we first thought.”
Make sure you get a quotation rather than an estimate before any work starts – whether for car repairs, building alterations, appliances or electronic equipment repair.

3. “That’s not covered by the warranty.”
Although it is true that manufacturer’s warranties often have many exclusions, it is a good idea to check with the manufacturer before just accepting the service provider’s word for it.

4. “We’ve fixed everything that needed fixing.”
Check, where possible, that everything that appears on the invoice was done. Certain things are difficult to check, but if you were charged for a new part, make sure you actually got a new part. Another little trick is to mark the part that will be replaced somewhere inconspicuous. That way you’ll be able to tell if it was actually replaced or not.

5. “We need a deposit before we can start the work.”
This is an old favourite in the construction industry, but is also sometimes used by mechanics and other service providers. Never, ever pay a deposit for building or repair work. A solid, reputable company will have the funds necessary to start the work.

Why you should brush bricks with milk - and other builder’s secrets...

Some building jobs are better – and cheaper – if you do them yourself. Try some of these short cuts the professionals use...

    * To put up a shelf dead straight – mark either end of the shelf length on the wall, then rub some chalk along a piece of string and fix the string tautly between these points. Pull the string back and let it snap against the wall. The chalk will mark out a perfect line for your brackets.

    * Want to pull up stubborn lino tiles? Cover the tile you want to get rid of with aluminium foil, then run your iron over it slowly on maximum heat. The tile should be easy to pluck loose after a couple of minutes.

    * If you want new bricks to match the rest of your house, simply brush them with milk to make them look aged.

    * Need a quick patch up job on a small hole in the wall? Fill it with toothpaste, let it dry, then paint over.

    * To get a screw into an awkward place, stick the screw to the screwdriver with a bit of wax to get your fingers out of the way.

    * To make a nail penetrate hard wood easily, run it through your hair first. The natural oil will coat the nail and make it slip in between the grain with less effort.
 

In the name of wealth, happiness and success!
 

Pascale Barrow
Managing Editor of Personal & Finance Confidential