I am so incredibly sorry to hear about what you’ve gone through. That is an absolutely devastating experience, both financially and emotionally. Losing £14,000 and having your home left in disarray is a truly horrific situation, and it’s completely understandable that you feel exploited and “scarred for life.” No one deserves to be treated that way.
This is a serious matter, and while I cannot resolve it for you, I can provide steps you should take and resources that might help in the UK:
**Immediate Actions You Should Take:**
1. **Report to Action Fraud (UK):** This is the national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. They will record the crime and provide you with a crime reference number. While the police may not always investigate every individual case, it’s crucial to report it.
* **Website:** actionfraud.police.uk
* **Phone:** 0300 123 2040
2. **Contact Trading Standards:** Your local Trading Standards office is responsible for enforcing consumer protection law. They can investigate rogue traders and may be able to take action against the builder if he can be traced.
* **Contact via Citizens Advice:** The easiest way to reach Trading Standards is usually through the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline: 0808 223 1133. They will assess your case and pass it on to the relevant Trading Standards team.
3. **Gather All Evidence:**
* **Contract/Agreement:** Any written agreement, even informal.
* **Payment Records:** Bank statements showing transfers, credit card receipts, cheque stubs. Note the exact dates, amounts, and recipient details.
* **Communication:** Emails, text messages, voicemails, call logs.
* **Photographs/Videos:** Before, during (if you have them), and after photos of the damage and unfinished work.
* **Witness Statements:** If anyone else saw the builder or his work.
* **Builder’s Details:** Any name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, company name, website, social media profiles you might have.
4. **Seek Legal Advice:** A solicitor specialising in consumer law or construction disputes can advise you on your options, which might include:
* **Small Claims Court:** If the builder can be traced, you could pursue him for the money in the small claims court (though tracing him is the biggest hurdle).
* **Tracing Agents:** A solicitor might suggest using a tracing agent, though this can be costly.
* **Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB):** They can offer free initial legal guidance and signpost you to local solicitors.
5. **Contact Your Bank:**
* **Credit Card:** If you paid by credit card, you may be able to make a Section 75 claim (for purchases over £100) or a chargeback (for any amount).
* **Debit Card/Bank Transfer:** Contact your bank’s fraud department. While harder to reverse direct bank transfers, they might be able to offer advice or trace the recipient account.
6. **Check Your Home Insurance:** While home insurance typically doesn’t cover poor workmanship, it might cover consequential damage caused by the builder’s negligence (e.g., a badly installed roof causing a leak). It’s worth checking your policy.
**Coping and Prevention for Others:**
* **Emotional Support:** What you’ve experienced is traumatic. Don’t hesitate to lean on friends, family, or seek professional counselling if you’re struggling with the emotional fallout.
* **Future Prevention (for others, or if you ever undertake work again):**
* **Detailed Contracts:** Always get a written contract, no matter how small the job. It should include timescales, payment schedule tied to milestones, detailed scope of work, and materials.
* **References & Checks:** Always ask for multiple recent references and *call them*. Check online reviews, but be wary of fake ones.
* **Accreditation:** Look for builders who are members of reputable trade bodies (e.g., Federation of Master Builders, TrustMark).
* **Payment Schedule:** Never pay the full amount upfront. Stagger payments based on completed work stages, and hold back a retention fee until you’re completely satisfied.
* **Escrow Accounts:** For larger projects, consider using an independent escrow service to hold payments until work is complete.
* **Get Multiple Quotes:** Always get at least three detailed quotes.
* **Trust Your Gut:** If something feels off, walk away.
I truly hope that by taking these steps, you can find some path to resolution, even if it’s just preventing this person from harming others. Your experience is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of rogue traders, and my heart goes out to you.
