A family’s dream home renovation turned into a nightmare after they hired a builder who has since been labeled a ‘cowboy.’ The builder not only performed shoddy work but also falsely accused the couple of harassment, leading to their arrest.

Renovation Project Descends into Chaos

Lucy and Rob Davies, from Basildon, Essex, invested £54,000 in a project to replace their conservatory with a modern kitchen and open-plan living area. They chose Steve Figg, believing his online advertisements and positive reviews.

Dangerous and Substandard Workmanship

The project quickly deteriorated as Figg failed to hire promised contractors, completing most of the work himself. The quality was immediately concerning, with essential materials missing and the old conservatory left dangerously unstable.

A building control inspection by Basildon Council revealed numerous dangerous flaws, including a compromised foundation, a load-bearing wall removed without support, and a steel beam improperly balanced. The first floor of the Davies’ home was at risk of collapse.

False Accusations and Arrest

Despite the escalating issues and the council halting work, the Davies continued to seek resolution from Figg. He allegedly made excuses, citing health problems, to justify the delays. Their attempts to rectify the situation were twisted against them.

Figg filed a harassment complaint with the police, falsely claiming the couple were ‘hounding’ him and even threatened him. This resulted in Lucy and Rob Davies being arrested by four police officers and detained for 22 hours before the allegations were dismissed as baseless.

Traumatic Experience and Financial Loss

The arrest was particularly traumatic for Lucy Davies, who was on maternity leave and forced to spend a night away from her infant son. She is now receiving treatment for PTSD.

The couple’s total financial losses reached £75,000, including the initial payment to Figg, £28,000 for remedial work, and £3,000 in legal fees. The family also experienced significant emotional distress, with their daughter temporarily moving in with her grandmother due to a rat infestation caused by the construction issues.

Justice Served, Warning Issued

In court, Figg, 35, admitted to 22 breaches of building regulations. He received a suspended 12-month jail sentence and was ordered to pay £85,000 in compensation to the Davies family. The judge condemned Figg as a ‘cowboy builder,’ citing the ‘unsafe, badly executed and repeatedly non-compliant’ nature of his work.

The Davies hope their story will serve as a warning to others to thoroughly vet contractors and be cautious of online reviews. They emphasize the importance of due diligence when hiring tradespeople to avoid similar predatory practices.