Tradesmen fear for jobs as black economy hits home improvements

THE black economy has seen a steep increase in the home improvement sector and may put many registered professionals into receivership, according to a new survey.

Based on a sampling of 6,400 small builders and tradesmen nationwide, 84% reported an increased demand by home owners for ‘nixers’ or ‘cash only’ prices for their home improvement projects, making the sector difficult for compliant and registered trade professionals.

Some 13% of those surveyed expect to go out of business during 2011. The survey was taken by the professional network Onlinetradesmen.ie as part of their outlook for the Irish trade sector in 2011.