The National Consumer Agency is calling for the regulation of trades people.
In a report into domestic construction, the agency reveals that over one-fifth of those surveyed had experienced problems either in purchasing a property, or in having renovation work done.
The majority experienced problems in having renovation work done.
A list of 25 recommendations in the report includes establishing a statutory backed system of certificates of compliance, developing a standardised contract for small, domestic building works, and improved dispute resolution procedures.
Launching the report Anne Fitzgerald, Director of the National Consumer Agency, said that buying a house is the biggest financial step many people take and that a lot remains to be done to ensure their rights are protected.
