The first quarter of the year has seen more than 19,000 complaints about home maintenance to government advice line Consumer Direct.

Complaints from January to March were valued at a total of more than £79.5 million. This represents an increase from last year of almost £6 million.

Central heating installation and servicing complaints cost more than £5.5 million with the highest value issue being about building work, which cost around £40 million.

Michele Shambrook, operations manager for Consumer Direct said: "There's no foolproof way of avoiding problems, but you need to do your homework before you embark on a project.

"Agree clear terms with the trader, and if things go wrong, check your rights and take prompt action."

Plumbers and plumbing services were complained about 1811 times at a value of over £2.6 million

SafeTrade, Local Registered, Approved and Recommended Builders, Plumbers, Electricians, Plasterers, Joiners, Decorators, Roofers and Glaziers etc. Middlesbrough website launch www.safetrade.org.uk/middlesbrough