News / Housing
‘Cowboy’ builder fined £21k after investigation
A ‘cowboy’ builder who carried out shoddy work on a house in Bristol has been ordered to repay £21,000 to his victims and carry out 187 hours of community service.
David Ward from St George, who traded under his company, Eastwood Home Improvement Limited, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court by Bristol City Council’s Trading Standards Service on October 26.
An expert witness found Ward had carried out building work on a house in Brentry, North Bristol, that was exceptionally poor, and not in compliance with architectural drawings or building regulations. Ward also failed to rectify his work or provide a refund to the victims.
is needed now More than ever
While working to build an extension on the Brentry house, the court found that Ward failed to follow architectural drawings and specifications, leading to the work being incorrectly sized, walls being incorrectly positioned, and foundations being far too shallow.
The victims’ statements described how they had taken out a second mortgage to enable them to build an extension and had had to take on additional loans in order to pay for the work to be rectified.
The expert witness said the work that Ward did in converting a garage was “truly abysmal”, before concluding that he had only completed between 10 and 15 per cent of the work he was paid to do, concluding that there was “very little residual value to the works”.
The victims explained that Ward’s actions resulted in them having to take time off work to deal with the stress, anxiety and depression caused by the experience.
Marvin Rees said: “Our Trading Standards Service work hard to ensure that Bristol residents are protected from rogue traders such as Mr Ward. His actions caused great distress, reflected by the sentence given to this cowboy builder.
“If you’re thinking of having building works undertaken, make sure to check references and responsibilities for compliance with building regulations.
“Remember to always insist on a written contract and agree when money will be paid. Do not pay large upfront deposits and never agree to work from cold callers.”
Main photo: Google
Read next:
- Investigation launched amid safety concerns at construction site
- Rogue landlord fined £22k loses appeal to overturn her ban
- Tenants receive eviction notices after rogue landlord’s banning order
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
