‘My builder ripped me off’

Single mum Caroline Eaton, 52, from Wiltshire, feels she has been left high and dry by a builder

“I’m a freelance early years consultant and earn £25k a year – I spend a lot on petrol because I need to travel for my job. I live in Wiltshire with my 17-year-old son Callum.

Last year I decided to build a single-storey extension and got a fixed-price quote of £65k from a builder. I paid £10k upfront and then in instalments. I’d already given him £51k when he asked for a further £23k – way over his original quote – despite having done hardly any work. I refused to pay so he left that day and told me he wouldn’t finish the job.

He says he’s done £58k’s worth of work, but I’ve had it valued at just £30k – so now I’m £28k short. He’s left me with no windows, doors or central heating. I’ve sent him several letters and have sought free legal advice, but the builder keeps declaring bankruptcy so my solicitor has advised me not to follow up as he doesn’t think I’ll win.

I’ve contacted Citizens Advice, the police, trading standards, building control and my local MP, but have had no luck. I have a £49k mortgage and £15k in savings that I’m reluctantly going to have to tap into to finish the extension as I can’t leave it as is. Is there a way I can get the builder to pay me back? And how do I go about getting the job done properly this time? ”

SARAH’S 3-POINT PLAN

1) LOOK AT THE LEGALS

Caroline should write to the builder demanding he finishes the work or refunds the overcharged cash within 14 days. If he doesn’t, she should tell him she will be taking him to court. Speak to the police and trading standards again – he has committed fraud, but they need enough evidence that he intended to defraud Caroline to make it worthwhile prosecuting. If he is charged, she may not get her money back but it could stop him defrauding others.

2) GET A BETTER BUILDER

Caroline should use Checka Trade.com and Mybuilder.com to search for vetted builders. Also, with Home improvements Guarantee.co.uk you only pay when the job’s done. 3)FUND THE REPAIR Caroline is reluctant to use her savings, but the property may not be covered by her home insurance until it’s finished, so it’s important to fix it quickly. Caroline could also consider a small re-mortgage to cover the cost. She should ask her existing lender about deals.

Social pressures S are fuelling the rise of childhood depression, and research shows that 80,000 kids in the uk are estimated to suffer with poor mental health. spotting symptoms early on and getting the right support is critical, which is why all secondary schools will now be offered mental health first aid training. it’s a great initiative, but as parents may be the first to notice changes in their child’s behaviour, knowing how to differentiate between a bad day or something more serious is key…