Ryan Ward, 37, and his wife, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased their three-bedroom semi-detached home in Leeds, West Yorkshire, in 2021 with the vision of transforming it into their ‘forever home’. After three years of saving £70,000 for renovations, the couple began seeking builders in January 2024 to undertake a project that included excavating their 30 square metre cellar and constructing a 16 square metre side extension, alongside landscaping the garden.
Their plans took a devastating turn when they hired a builder who quoted £95,000 for the function — significantly lower than other quotes ranging from £120,000 to £150,000. According to multiple verified reports, after receiving payment, the builder ceased work, left the property in an unsafe condition, and subsequently filed for bankruptcy, leaving the family facing what they describe as a ‘death trap on stilts’ and out of pocket by £125,000.
The structural concerns stem from the incomplete and allegedly unsafe extension work, which left parts of the property supported only by temporary stilts without proper foundational support. Ward stated that his family was put ‘at risk’ by the builder’s actions, forcing them to live in hazardous conditions although dealing with the financial and emotional toll of the abandoned project.
The total financial loss amounts to £125,000, comprising the £95,000 paid to the builder and an additional £30,000 reportedly needed to make the property safe and complete the renovations. This figure has been consistently reported across verified sources covering the case, which detail how the couple’s life savings were exhausted and they now face further costs to render their home habitable.
Local authorities and trading standards bodies in Leeds have been urged to investigate the builder’s conduct, particularly given the bankruptcy filing and allegations of unsafe construction practices. While no criminal charges have been publicly confirmed against the individual, civil proceedings may be pursued to recover losses, though experts note that recouping funds from a bankrupt contractor is often exceptionally challenging for homeowners.
The case has drawn attention to the risks associated with hiring unverified tradespeople, especially those offering prices significantly below market rates. Industry experts advise homeowners to obtain multiple quotes, verify credentials through official registers such as the Federation of Master Builders or TrustMark, and avoid large upfront payments without stage-linked contracts and financial protections.
In the UK, residential construction work is governed by building regulations enforced by local councils, and any structural alterations must meet safety standards outlined in the Building Act 1984. Projects involving excavations or extensions typically require planning permission and building control approval, with inspections at key stages to ensure compliance. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in enforcement notices, fines, or orders to demolish unsafe work.
As of the latest verified reports, Ward and his wife remain in the property while seeking solutions to make it safe. They have expressed hope that increased awareness of their experience will assist others avoid similar predatory practices in the home renovation sector. No date has been set for a formal hearing or regulatory update on the case, though trading standards in Leeds continue to monitor complaints against rogue traders.
This incident underscores the importance of due diligence when undertaking major home improvements. Prospective renovators are encouraged to consult official resources such as the UK Government’s Planning Portal for guidance on permissions and the Citizens Advice Bureau for support with disputes involving contractors.
If you have experienced similar issues with a builder or wish to share advice on avoiding rogue traders, we invite you to leave a comment below. Sharing your story could help protect others from facing the same hardship.
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