A man has shared his family’s ordeal after a builder left them in a precarious situation and cost them £125,000 during a disastrous home extension project. Ryan Ward, 37, and his wife, who prefers to remain anonymous, had high hopes of turning their three-bedroom semi-detached house in Leeds, West Yorkshire, into their dream home. They had diligently saved £70,000 over three years for renovations to accommodate their growing family.

Their renovation plans included expanding their cellar and adding a side extension while enhancing their garden. After receiving multiple quotes, they hired a builder who promised to complete the project for £95,000, significantly less than other estimates. However, over the year that followed, the builder left their home in a dangerous state, leading to financial losses and safety concerns for Ryan’s family.

Despite the builder’s reassurances, the project encountered delays and quality issues, leaving the property structurally compromised. The builder eventually declared bankruptcy before finishing the job, leaving the family in a dire situation. Ryan expressed his distress at the builder’s actions, emphasizing the risks his family faced due to the substandard work.

Efforts to rectify the situation led the family to seek help from builder Graham Nash, known for assisting homeowners affected by poor construction work. Graham, with over 35 years of experience, identified the project as one of the worst he had seen. The builder attempted to defend his actions but faced criticism for the inadequate workmanship.

Following legal and financial struggles, the family managed to secure additional funds to address the structural issues and complete the extension. Despite facing ongoing challenges, including finishing interior work, the family remains optimistic about restoring their home. The builder, while acknowledging financial difficulties, maintained his commitment to completing the project, albeit with conditions.

The family’s ordeal serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with hiring unreliable contractors and the importance of thorough vetting and oversight in construction projects.