A COUPLE were left £100,000 out of pocket after cowboy builders threw up “wonky” walls and a “banana” ceiling.
Edward and Louisa Benton employed contractors in summer 2022 to build their “dream” extension.
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But after blowing their entire life-savings on the project, they were left with an unfinished “nightmare” that has “shattered” their lives.
Louisa, 34, said: “We have no life savings left, and we’ve had to spend from our incomes to remedy the issues.
“Despite having a catalogue of evidence, reports from building control and the structural engineers, we have been cheated.
“[The builder] intimidated me while working from home, and would turn up randomly, even at Christmas, to demand more cash payments for work he claimed had not been budgeted.
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“We have now got a rubbish extension not built to specification. We’re also paying off a loan for rubbish work.”
The couple, from Wiltshire, employed the contractors to build a vertical extension to their garage and rear extension with a new kitchen to their house.
The couple say they paid a £10,000 cash deposit then £40,000 in weekly cash payments and an extra £50,000 for further work.
But they say they were left with a bendy ceiling – and when they challenged one builder, he alleged told them ”he did not usually use a spirit level when he was working”.
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They said mould started growing inside the new upstairs bedroom a few months in as the walls had been plastered before the roof was fitted and sealed.
The ceiling eventually had to be knocked down and replaced to prevent the grot from spreading further.
And when the couple returned from holiday last September, the couple found builders had tried to cover up wonky brickwork with a canopy roof over the door.
Louisa alleges that the company then hid “dozens” of other issues with the Laverstock property, leaving them afraid for their safety.
She received ten quotes for the work but chose the contractors because they were a local company, despite not being the cheapest option.
A year on, the pair say the nightmare means they are unable to start a family and it’s taken a massive toll on their mental health.
Incredibly, they say the company told them they cannot refund the couple as doing so would force them to liquidate their business.
They have since won £10K in small claims court but say they have not received a penny from the company, which is now undergoing voluntary liquidation.
The couple hired KP Structural Consultants on February 11 to inspect the work after building control raised alarm bells.
Their report confirmed the ridge timber had not been installed as specified.
A prop had been installed to support the roof and remedial works were required.
The contractors have been contacted for comment.
In a letter to Louisa dated February 28, the company owner wrote: “Last week, I accepted responsibility for the poor workmanship and can only offer further apologies.
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“I would also say that I am very disappointed with the failings of some of the contractors I employed who normally work to much higher standards although I take total responsibility for that.
“I therefore totally understand request for a full refund of £100,000.”
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