A HOMEOWNER who expected scaffolders to fix his roof was shocked to catch them kicking back with beers inside his hot tub instead.
David Wright, 45, from Irby in Wirral, lost his roof after it blew off during Storm Arwen in November 2021 – but getting it replaced has become “horrendous”.
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He contacted his home insurance provider Zurich who arranged a group of workmen to come to make the repairs.
With the building expected to take at least four months, he, partner Nicola, 45, and their two children, Lewis, 10, and Lauren, seven, have been staying at a confined bungalow, with little space for the kids to run around outside.
But the work has dragged on for more than seven months – and David says the project has turned into a nightmare and he feels “let down” at every turn.
David said: “The emotional stress and heartache has been horrendous. I am honestly so close to just breaking.”
He was most disappointed when he got a call from his neighbour who told him that he scaffolders had been spotted in the family’s hot tub.
David told the Liverpool Echo: “I rang up the project manager at the time [the scaffolders went in the hot tub] to say that someone had been in the hot tub and that my neighbour had witnessed it and that they believe it was the scaffolders.”
He alleges the spa pool’s lid was damaged and the wind straps hadn’t been buckled back up.
When David contacted the sub-contractors, the told him to “phone the police” if he “thought it was a problem”.
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The dad-of-two claims to have photos of the beer caps on the decking from where they drank beer out of the fridge.
During the painful process, David, a construction compliance manager, says the wrong roof was fitted.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “It was a flat roof that would have cost £3,500,” said David.
“It’s almost as if I’m working for them trying to sort my own insurance policy out. They’re supposed to be working for me.
“I made a complaint straight away on December 12 because I had reservations initially. The builders came round to survey the roof four times and didn’t even get out of the van.”
A spokesperson for Zurich Insurance Group apologised for the issues David has faced in his attempt to fix the damage to his roof.
Compensation of £350 has been issued to David in recognition the delays and his concerns about the service.
A meeting has since taken place to outline steps to finish the work required on David’s home.
They said: “We are also conducting a full investigation into some of the contractors used, to ensure that those hired on behalf of Zurich, provide the best and most professional service possible.”
The Sun has approached Zurich for additional comment.
