0:00:09 > 0:00:13I'm on the road again, on the case of yet more dodgy builders,
0:00:13 > 0:00:15who promise the earth
0:00:15 > 0:00:19but leave decent homeowners in the lurch with their bodged building work.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22It's just so unfair, so unfair
0:00:22 > 0:00:25that I have to live like this.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29Over the years, I've seen enough cowboy building work
0:00:29 > 0:00:30to last me a lifetime.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33But I'm still surprised how they managed to con people
0:00:33 > 0:00:35out of their hard-earned cash.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38I was angry, because I couldn't believe
0:00:38 > 0:00:40that I could be left in this state.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42I'm hoping to offer a helping hand to a homeowner
0:00:42 > 0:00:45who's been badly let down by a cowboy builder,
0:00:45 > 0:00:48who was the husband of a work colleague.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50I don't trust anybody any more.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Along the way, I'll be giving you loads of hints and tips
0:00:53 > 0:00:56in the hope that it will prevent you from falling
0:00:56 > 0:00:57into the cowboy trap.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Today, the cowboy trail brings me to Merthyr Tydfil,
0:01:13 > 0:01:15just 20 miles outside of Cardiff.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18It used to be one of the biggest towns in Wales
0:01:18 > 0:01:20and it's steeped in history -
0:01:20 > 0:01:23from exploding cannons to wallpaper.
0:01:23 > 0:01:24I kid you not.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28Lord Nelson's cannons were built here
0:01:28 > 0:01:31for his battles against the French and Spanish.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33And Laura Ashley was born in Merthyr,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36so I guess you could say if it wasn't for Merthyr Tydfil,
0:01:36 > 0:01:38we'd all be speaking French or Spanish
0:01:38 > 0:01:41and be living a life free of floral-print pattern!
0:01:41 > 0:01:45But in enough of these grandiose tales of old.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48It's time to meet the hero of our story.
0:01:48 > 0:01:5238-year-old Brian Harris works as a manager
0:01:52 > 0:01:54in a road-traffic call centre.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57When he's not helping to keep motorists on the road,
0:01:57 > 0:02:02he loves to get out and about in the beautiful Welsh countryside.
0:02:02 > 0:02:03Merthyr's just freedom.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06You've got the Brecon Beacons on your doorstep.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09You can get into the car, park up and just go for a walk
0:02:09 > 0:02:13and you can walk for hours and hours without ever coming to an end.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15It's just somewhere I've grown up.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Brian was diagnosed with Crohn's disease nine years ago.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21It's similar to irritable bowel syndrome.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23It affects my immune system,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25so stress can cause me to have flare-ups,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29which I can be quite unwell on.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31A few years ago, he decided to set up home
0:02:31 > 0:02:33close to his friends and family
0:02:33 > 0:02:37in the place he knows and loves best.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39And when he came across a wonderful mid-terrace property
0:02:39 > 0:02:44that he could turn into a home, he decided to snap it up quick.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53This is the first property that I had, so it was very special to me
0:02:53 > 0:02:58and I thought this is something I could renovate into my own style.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03Brian's house is over 100 years old and he wanted to bring it up to date
0:03:03 > 0:03:05into the 21st century.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08So, in the tradition of Merthyr Tydfil's industrialists,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11he go out his pencil and re-imagined it.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16And he had grand expectations of creating a lovely new lounge.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19It was to be a comfortable home for me, because I live on my own.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22The house was really old and run down.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25I wanted to update it, modernise it,
0:03:25 > 0:03:27and to be something that had my stamp on it.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Brian also wanted a bathroom to reflect his taste,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33so it was a case of out with the old
0:03:33 > 0:03:37and in with a brand new, swanky bathroom suite.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40I wanted again to bring it in more modern line
0:03:40 > 0:03:42and tile it from top to bottom.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Be kind of trendy.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47With plans for his bathroom, and executive lounge now in place,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Brian set about finding the builder to do the work.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52But he didn't have to travel too far,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55because a colleague at work was married to a builder.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59For Brian, that was convenient, but, above all, a safe bet.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Because he was recommended by a work colleague,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08I felt as if I wouldn't be ripped off by the builder.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11It was being introduced to somebody who was already a friend.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15I was just overwhelmed. I was so happy and so excited
0:04:15 > 0:04:19that someone that I trusted could do the work for me.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23And I was just so looking forward to the end result.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Brian felt safe in the knowledge that his builder
0:04:26 > 0:04:28was married to a work colleague,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30so, therefore, he let his guard down.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32He didn't take up any references
0:04:32 > 0:04:35or go and see any previous work the builder had done.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38To you regular watchers of Cowboy Trap,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41you know I believe that to be vital.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Therefore, Brian didn't have a contract agreement,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48no staged payments were put in place and no work schedule, either.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52In fact, all the elements were just tossed into the air and left to chance.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57The six-week build started in December 2008.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02The final agreed price for all materials and labour was £10,000.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06Even when Brian asked for additional work to be done, like having the boiler moved,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08the builder said, "That's no problem."
0:05:08 > 0:05:12In fact, nothing was a problem to the builder. At first.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15The builder made me feel very secure.
0:05:15 > 0:05:20He totally understood what I want it and we could work together on it.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24It was very exciting for me to be able to trust someone.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29Everything seemed to be going according to plan.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32With Brian having a debilitating illness called Crohn's disease,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36which leaves him tired and requiring a bathroom on a regular basis,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39he decided to move out while work continued.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43I decided to go to Spain for a few days to spend some time with friends.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46But I decided to come back early, because I was excited.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I wanted to see how the house was going.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51I wanted to see how the work was progressing
0:05:51 > 0:05:54and I wanted to be here to see it for myself.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01But then, disaster struck.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07Returning after five days away,
0:06:07 > 0:06:11Brian realised his worst nightmare had come true.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14There was evidence of bodged work all over the place.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16The dividing wall had been removed,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19but the steel they'd put in place was a shambles
0:06:19 > 0:06:23and they'd come up with a unique design idea for the bathroom, too.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30To my amazement, I was overwhelmed that where the old toilet was,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33the bath had been put in that position.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Rather than purchase a bath that fitted into that area,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39the builder gouged two inches out of the wall
0:06:39 > 0:06:42to get the bath to fit.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44The toilet was on a piece of plywood.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48I was angry, because I couldn't believe
0:06:48 > 0:06:51that I could be left in this state.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57The work, or lack of it, was having an adverse effect on Brian's health,
0:06:57 > 0:07:01so he did what many people would do in the same situation
0:07:01 > 0:07:05and he sought legal advice from his home-insurance company.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07They could give me legal advice,
0:07:07 > 0:07:12but any court costs, or any fees would have to be paid by myself,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16so I decided it was not an avenue I could pursue,
0:07:16 > 0:07:20because I didn't have the funds and the money to be able to do that.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Poor Brian had high hopes of his redesigned home,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26but it was slowly dawning on him
0:07:26 > 0:07:28that his beautiful new bathroom and lounge
0:07:28 > 0:07:31was turning into the stuff of nightmares.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34I was so excited about getting the work done,
0:07:34 > 0:07:35and then the disappointment.
0:07:35 > 0:07:41I felt betrayed and I didn't feel as if I could trust the builder again.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43I don't trust anybody any more.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48Best friend Nicola has known Brian for over 16 years.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52She knows only too well the effect the building work has had on him.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55He didn't answer my calls for a while, not answer my calls,
0:07:55 > 0:07:59but I'd say, "I'm popping by, I'll come in for a cup of tea."
0:07:59 > 0:08:02He be, "No, you can't do that."
0:08:02 > 0:08:04He kind of withdrew a bit.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07I think he was so devastated as to what happened.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10And he was embarrassed, even though I'm one of his closest friends,
0:08:10 > 0:08:15he was embarrassed about the way he that he had been ripped off.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18He lost trust in people, as well, really.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20He lost a lot of trust in people
0:08:20 > 0:08:24and lost the motivation to do anything.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27I will not allow anybody to come here. It's out of bounds.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30It's so embarrassing.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34To what I was expecting, is just so unfair.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38So unfair that I have to live like this.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43And Brian's been living in this mess over three years now,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46so it's no surprise that it's eroded his self-confidence
0:08:46 > 0:08:48and left him feeling down.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55'But now I'm here on a mission to rescue Brian's build
0:08:55 > 0:08:58'and see if I can put a smile back on his face again.'
0:08:58 > 0:09:04- Are you Brian?- I am.- I'm Clive from Cowboy Trap.- Hi, Clive. - How are you?- I'm good, thank you.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07You've had problems with cowboy builders. Do you mind if I look around?
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- No, come on in.- Cheers.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14'While Brian sticks the kettle on,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16'I want to see what I'm dealing with here.'
0:09:16 > 0:09:19When I walk into these properties, I never really know
0:09:19 > 0:09:23whether I'm walking into a Pandora's box of major problems
0:09:23 > 0:09:27or just more aesthetics, but that is a poor finish.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Whoever's done this is definitely not a plasterer.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Look at the ceiling.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34'Oh, Pandora's box, indeed.'
0:09:34 > 0:09:39Through from the hallway the steel lintel is not fixed properly
0:09:39 > 0:09:43meaning the upstairs is in danger of falling, well, downstairs.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47The floor is up and down like a fiddler's elbow
0:09:47 > 0:09:50and the gas meter is just hanging by a thread.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54And with all these exposed wires, I wouldn't be surprised
0:09:54 > 0:09:56if this place short-circuited.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59To top it all, I think there might be some rising damp.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03I've got my damp meter out. It's got two probes.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06A good way of testing it, to make sure it works,
0:10:06 > 0:10:08is palm of your hand and back in the hand.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- Palm of your hand should have more moisture. - HIGH-PITCHED BEEP
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Which makes a loud sound. Back of the hand, not so much. - IMITATES LOW-PITCHED BEEP
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- I can feel a gadget moment coming on. - HIGH-PITCHED BEEP
0:10:20 > 0:10:22HIGH-PITCHED BEEP
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Ooh! That's high pitch.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25That's a lot of damp in there.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28How's about that then?
0:10:28 > 0:10:31That's all the evidence I need. This is serious.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36'Time to see if the kitchen fares any better.'
0:10:36 > 0:10:39This kitchen is very compact and bijou.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41A galley-style kitchen, if you like.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45Don't know what's going on there. None of the joists are secured into the wall.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50We've got patches of damp all over the place. It's quite tight for space.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52That is for sure, especially for a big geezer.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55OK, let's see what's through here.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00This will be the bodged bathroom.
0:11:00 > 0:11:01The bath is oversized,
0:11:01 > 0:11:06so my guess is someone has gone down to the DIY store,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09bagged a bargain without doing any measuring, and it's crucial,
0:11:09 > 0:11:13when you're doing a bathroom, to go for my four-measure rule.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Measure, measure, measure. And just for good measure, measure again.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20'This bathroom is stinking.'
0:11:20 > 0:11:23I've spotted another problem with the toilet waste pipe.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27It's actually got a back fall. You've heard me talk about this a lot.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31There's no way that when you're going to the toilet, that is not filling up.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35Because that has got a back fall to the waste, which means
0:11:35 > 0:11:39it's struggling, which means there will be waste sitting in that pipe.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41It's no good.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43'Brian even has to lend a helping hand
0:11:43 > 0:11:47'by pouring in buckets of water to help clear the waste.'
0:11:48 > 0:11:53Any builder or plumber worth their salt will get pipe-work right,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56so to demonstrate Brian's problem,
0:11:56 > 0:11:58I've come to builder's yard.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01He'd got what they call back fall, which means
0:12:01 > 0:12:03when you go to the toilet, each time you flush,
0:12:03 > 0:12:08the problem is a lot of that soil is going to stay in the pipe, particularly around the bend.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Also, you're going to get a lot of water backing up,
0:12:11 > 0:12:16that's why he has to get buckets to throw down the toilet to shift it.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20That is no good at all. What you need, and this is a plumbers rule of thumb,
0:12:20 > 0:12:22is an 18-mil fall. This is a top tip in case
0:12:22 > 0:12:27your plumber is missing something, or you look at the pipe and think, "That doesn't look right."
0:12:27 > 0:12:31I will use this orange to show you. This hasn't got much of a back fall, to be fair,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34but the orange will not come out at the other end.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Are you ready? Let's go.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41There you go.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Nothing coming out at the other end. If I just get the orange back out.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50If it'll come. There it is. We've got the orange.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55I've now recreated virtually that 18 mil for every metre.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Now watch. It's fairly obvious as you see this,
0:12:59 > 0:13:02but it should be obvious to the plumber, as well.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04What I'm going to try to do is drop the orange in -
0:13:04 > 0:13:06I won't have to drop it in so high.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09I'm going to drop it in and try to catch it the other end. Are you ready?
0:13:09 > 0:13:11No pressure, then.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- HE CHUCKLES - There it is. Good as gold.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20Remember, check that plumber and make sure you've got the proper fall line.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27I've come to Merthyr Tydfil to see if I can help Brian Harris
0:13:27 > 0:13:32out of this cowboy trap, after he fell foul of a bodging builder.
0:13:32 > 0:13:38Last year, Brian was quoted £10,000 to have some work done on the exterior
0:13:38 > 0:13:43and to have two rooms downstairs knocked into one massive lounge.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46And for his bathroom, which was the product of a bygone era,
0:13:46 > 0:13:50into something more contemporary and fit for the 21st century.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Hm.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I don't think this work was quite what Brian had in mind,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00at least I hope it wasn't!
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Tell me what's been done, or what should've been done.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08I wanted all the walls knocked off, back to the brick and plastered.
0:14:08 > 0:14:09It really is a real poor job.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13Even when he was doing the work in here, did you come along and go,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- "That doesn't look..."- No, I was away for the initial few days
0:14:16 > 0:14:18because of the amount of work to be done.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23'There is only one way to describe this work...'
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- Terrible. Let's have a look out back stop- OK.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29'Brian envisaged a cool kitchen.'
0:14:29 > 0:14:32One he could bring his friends home to and cook up a treat.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35I don't think is quite the place.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Have you lifted these tiles?
0:14:37 > 0:14:40No, the builder has done that.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45It was supposed to be replaced, along with the kitchen units and walls and new ceiling.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47It's been left in quite a mess.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- The builder has hit everywhere downstairs.- Yes.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52'Now for the most important room in the house.'
0:14:52 > 0:14:57Um, I'm sort of concerned about the bath itself. What did you want?
0:14:57 > 0:15:00The plan was to tile the floor, replace the bathroom suite,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04tile the walls, install a shower new light in, an extractor fan,
0:15:04 > 0:15:08new window, and I was advised they could make the bathroom look bigger
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- by placing the bath there toilet in the position it's in. - Do you think it has?
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- No.- No. That is a bunch of bunkum, I tell you now.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18It's just a shambles.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- It needs a complete revamp. - It does.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Doesn't it? OK, let's get out of here, especially with that. It looks terrible.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Coming up, I call in an independent chartered surveyor
0:15:31 > 0:15:34to assess this little house of horrors.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- You can't live with this, it's not possible.- And the full impact of this cowboy builder
0:15:38 > 0:15:41hits Brian smack between the eyes.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43I was just so stressed out with it.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48I was disappointed with myself, which caused me to have an ongoing flare-up with my Crohn's.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52I took it really personally, "Why me, what have I done?"
0:15:52 > 0:15:54You know, to deserve this.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Here in Wales, beside the beautiful Brecon Beacons,
0:16:00 > 0:16:04lies the former mining town of Merthyr Tydfil,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07which is home to 38-year-old Brian Harris.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Two years ago, he decided to renovate his house,
0:16:11 > 0:16:15finally settling on a builder married to a friend at work.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17But, after shelling out £4,500 in cash,
0:16:17 > 0:16:22his builder upped and left, never to return.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29It has become clear to Brian that the bathroom was a disaster zone
0:16:29 > 0:16:33and the lounge wasn't so much disappointing as devastating.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37'It's time for me to sit down face to face with Brian,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40'to see if we can get to the bottom of what's been going on.'
0:16:40 > 0:16:43I'd like to know more of the strife of Brian
0:16:43 > 0:16:46when it comes to cowboy builders.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- What work did you want? - I wanted the two living rooms knocked into one,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53nice big skirting boards nice laminate flooring.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57I decided to keep the bathroom suite as it, but just update it.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59And have it in the style I wanted it
0:16:59 > 0:17:01and not in the style I purchased it in.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- So that was the dream. - That was the dream, yes.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06Unable to find a local builder,
0:17:06 > 0:17:10Brian thought he'd come up with the perfect solution.
0:17:11 > 0:17:17So you asked around work and somebody stepped forward and said "I know somebody"?
0:17:17 > 0:17:23- Yes.- She recommended her husband to do the work and we got put in contact.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25It was nice to be able to trust someone
0:17:25 > 0:17:28with having access to my house,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31I kind of knew them, so I was happy, really ecstatic.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36'The builder quoted £10,000 to do the work.'
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Did you ask to see any of his previous work?
0:17:39 > 0:17:42I'd seen some mobile-phone pictures
0:17:42 > 0:17:46of work that had been done on his wife's house.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51But you are looking at pictures off a mobile phone.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54I always say don't look at photographs in a portfolio, big ones.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58I'd worked with this person for a number of years. I never thought
0:17:58 > 0:18:03- I'd be in the position I'm in now. - You were lured into a false sense of security?- Yes.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Well, I never.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08This story has alarm bells written all over it.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09So take a tip from me.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15Mobile pictures of the builder's previous jobs are never enough.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18You need to see their work for yourself, in person.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Don't trust a builder just because a friend tells you they're good.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24And don't let your heart rule your head.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Poor Brian learned the hard way
0:18:27 > 0:18:28and put all his trust
0:18:28 > 0:18:32and hard-earned savings into the hands of a friend at work -
0:18:32 > 0:18:34the wife of a cowboy builder.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38I've found, a lot of experience, that the wives
0:18:38 > 0:18:41and the girlfriends and partners do not know what they're up to.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- No, she didn't.- They don't know they're doing bad work.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47And don't forget, she was his feeder.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49She was going to feed him business.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Unable to see the trap he was falling into,
0:18:54 > 0:19:00Brian paid £4,500 in cash and work got under way almost immediately,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03without even the most basic of paperwork.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- Did you have a contract?- No.
0:19:06 > 0:19:13£4,500 up front, in cash, no receipt, if he ever got caught
0:19:13 > 0:19:17for non-payment of taxes by the Inland Revenue,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19and they can trace it back to who paid him -
0:19:19 > 0:19:22you are employing him as the homeowner -
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- they can come to you for that. - Really?- Yes.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28'Ker-ching!'
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Money truly makes the world go round.
0:19:30 > 0:19:35Here's another tip from me. Never pay cash to a builder.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Always pay by cheque or banker's draft.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41It's vital there is proper proof of payments
0:19:41 > 0:19:43made from you to the builder,
0:19:43 > 0:19:47or you could be liable for the tax the builder owes.
0:19:47 > 0:19:53Brian fell into the cowboy trap of paying up front and in cash.
0:19:53 > 0:19:54So you paid £4,500 for this?
0:19:54 > 0:19:55Mm-hm.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Are we saying the builder never returned again?
0:19:59 > 0:20:05- He asked for more money for the kitchen.- And you said?- No.- Hurrah.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07And because I didn't give him more money,
0:20:07 > 0:20:11the next day, I came home from work, all his tools and materials had gone.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15All the rest of the materials that I'd paid for had gone, as well.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- They were in the initial £4,500.- It's what I mean, it's non-traceable.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22So it's your word against his.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24In a court of law, it would get thrown out.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27As if the financial pressures weren't enough,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Brian faced a daily struggle because of his illness.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34I suffer with Crohn's disease and I need to avoid stressful situations.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39So to have that sunshine collapsed in front of you,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41what effect did that have on you?
0:20:42 > 0:20:46Well, I was so stressed out with it.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49I was disappointed with myself that I had trusted someone.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53It caused me to have an ongoing flare-up with my Crohn's,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57because of the way that I was dealing with it personally.
0:20:57 > 0:21:02I took it personally. "Why me? What have I done to deserve this?"
0:21:04 > 0:21:07What sort of impact on your life has living in this condition had, Brian,
0:21:07 > 0:21:11not only from a health perspective, but, of course,
0:21:11 > 0:21:16obviously, you want to use the house as intended, to be a home.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18I have godson who doesn't come here.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23I don't invite my family and friends because of the state of the house. It's totally embarrassing.
0:21:23 > 0:21:29This property desperately needs some TLC from a quality builder.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- Definitely.- We're going to make sure that happens.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37Poor Brian. My heart really goes out to him.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43There's a ton of bodges that have gone on here
0:21:43 > 0:21:46and I'm really worried about them, but don't just take my word for it.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49I've asked independent chartered surveyor Tony Owens
0:21:49 > 0:21:52to cast his eagle eye over it and see what he thinks.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- Ah.- I love it when you guys make long notes! How are you, Tony?
0:22:06 > 0:22:10I'm Clive. Just talk us through some of the problems you've found.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Overall, it's just the quality.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16This isn't plastering by any stretch of the imagination.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17This isn't a tradesman.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Did you look in the bathroom?
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- I have looked in the bathroom. - What did you make of that? - Er... I think
0:22:22 > 0:22:25the builder has bought a Saturday special
0:22:25 > 0:22:29that doesn't fit the wall, so he's chased out the wall to make room for the suite.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32I think that's exactly what he's done.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Looking at the work that has been carried out in here,
0:22:35 > 0:22:39if we can call it work, what mark out of ten would you give them?
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Well this is a 0-1 basically. There's no two ways.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45You can't live with this. It's not possible.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49Well I think zero is fair, I do. Very fair. Nice one, Tony.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55I tell you what,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58this cowboy builder definitely comes from Bodge City.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Take a look at that. It is total nonsense.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04There are so many jobs in here that are poor at best.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06This is definitely a no-go zone.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08So I'm going to tape off the area
0:23:08 > 0:23:13and the only people allowed across this line are the good guys and myself.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16And, talking of which, it's time to get those good guys in.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25We have a massive job on our hands. Brian is so desperate to get the work done,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28he is going to contribute to the cost of the job.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33Luckily, head builder John Sutton has been in the trade for years,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36so, between us, we are going to come up with a cunning plan.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- There really is. Hi, John. - Clive, how are you?- Good to see you.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Lots to do in this property. - There is, unfortunately.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47It's been plastered in such a hideous fashion.
0:23:47 > 0:23:48- He wasn't a plasterer.- No way!
0:23:48 > 0:23:51We're going to have to straighten walls out.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56Straighten out the beam, and then we can decorate it. The kitchen is similarly grim.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Because we're putting a false ceiling in, it gives us the opportunity
0:24:00 > 0:24:02to put some low-voltage downlights in.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04It'll funk it up a little bit.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06And then the all-important bathroom.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09The bathroom, as you've seen, is a disaster.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14We'll put a new bath, the right length of bath,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16back in the same position.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18It's been a tragedy of building work
0:24:18 > 0:24:20done by somebody who wasn't a builder.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24If he was a butcher, baker or candlestick maker,
0:24:24 > 0:24:27you'd expect him to have at least been a butcher by trade.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32'He was a butcher all right. The building butcher of Merthyr.'
0:24:38 > 0:24:41John and his team of good guys get stuck in straight away.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Over the next ten days, they have a right job on their hands.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49The all-important bathroom must be re-plumbed and redecorated,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53the kitchen modernised, ceiling, walls and doors made safe,
0:24:53 > 0:24:57the lounge must be properly plastered, and that's just the basics.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01With all this madness and mayhem, no wonder it looks like
0:25:01 > 0:25:04they're building Noah's Ark in Brian's back garden.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Coming up, Brian calls his bodging builder.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12I'd like to know why you promised to do the work to a high standard and left me in the mess that you did.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15And I show him what the good guys can do.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19- I mean, the difference! - I can't believe it.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- It really is darkness into the light.- Yes, it's just...
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Phew. Too much to take in.
0:25:27 > 0:25:3038-year-old sales manager Brian Harris
0:25:30 > 0:25:34lives in the former mining town of Merthyr Tydfil.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Two years ago, he finally saved up enough money to fulfil his long-held dream
0:25:38 > 0:25:41of turning his house into a home.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45He was overjoyed when a work colleague's builder husband
0:25:45 > 0:25:49offered to do the work for just £10,000.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53So he paid half the money up front in cash without getting a receipt.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59But when Brian refused to pay out even more cash, the cowboy, his supposed friend,
0:25:59 > 0:26:04upped and left, leaving his house in a right old state.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06In fact, it was almost unliveable.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09For someone facing the daily struggle of Crohn's disease,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12it was a hard knock.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Waking up every day for the last three years in that environment
0:26:15 > 0:26:17hasn't been healthy for me.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21With my Crohn's disease, it's caused lots of stress. It wasn't comfortable to live in.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26Sadly, it has not only affected his physical health,
0:26:26 > 0:26:29it's had a huge impact on his confidence, too.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31He doesn't like failure.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Everything he does, he likes to succeed in doing.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38The knock this is had on him has knocked every aspect of his life.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41It's knocked his confidence in everything that he does.
0:26:41 > 0:26:42I'm very anti-social with my friends.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Too embarrassed to invite them to the property.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49It's been three years of stress for me, really.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57We've now brought in the good guys, who are working round the clock
0:26:57 > 0:27:02to update this former miner's house into the place of Brian's dreams.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- But the last few days haven't been easy. - Everything was a bit of a mess,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10a bit of a shambles. There was damp everywhere.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Never seen plastering like it.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13You're not wrong.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16This whole project nearly collapsed
0:27:16 > 0:27:21when the ceiling wanted to get up close and personal with the floor.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25The coated plaster put on by the last guys was so ill-prepared,
0:27:25 > 0:27:31the weight of our new plaster brought the whole ceiling onto the floor. Completely collapsed.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34It has been a major push for the guys.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38We're running out of time, but we're working hard.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43We'll get it all done to him and he can live in the house properly, instead of a bomb site.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46The new floor is as flat as a pancake.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49They're wiring in the groovy kitchen spotlights,
0:27:49 > 0:27:51the deluxe bath fits like a glove
0:27:51 > 0:27:54and the gas meter's been boxed in.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59We're well on our way to turning Brian's slapdash house into a homely retreat.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02He can't stop thinking what it will look like.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05I'm expecting just to have something modern and contemporary.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Something where I can invite my family and friends
0:28:08 > 0:28:10and ultimately call a home.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16Brian desperately needs to move on, but, before he can,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20I need to help him get answers from the bodging builder.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23He still works with the wife of his former builder,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26but is so embarrassed about what's gone on,
0:28:26 > 0:28:29he avoids talking about it at work at all.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Brian, when was the last time you had any dialogue with your builder?
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- When the work was done, about three years ago.- Does he owe you money? - He does in theory
0:28:36 > 0:28:41because I don't believe the money paid should have been paid for the quality of the work done.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44I'm giving you an opportunity to give him a call,
0:28:44 > 0:28:48because it's his opportunity of a right of reply.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51There we go.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53'It's no surprise
0:28:53 > 0:28:58'when our call is diverted straight to the builder's voicemail.'
0:29:02 > 0:29:05This is Brian Harris, from Merthyr Tydfil.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07I asked you to do some work on my house.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11Today, I'm here with the guys from Cowboy Trap on the BBC
0:29:11 > 0:29:14and I have a few questions for you.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16This is your right to reply.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19I'd like to know why you promised to do the work my house
0:29:19 > 0:29:22to a high standard and you left me in the mess that you did.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26As you know, with my illness, I depend on the toilet
0:29:26 > 0:29:31and I emphasised this and you left me with a toilet that was overflowing
0:29:31 > 0:29:33and backing up and causing me lots of distress.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Thanks. Bye.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40OK. Let's hope he'll give us a call back.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42My main concern now
0:29:42 > 0:29:47is that you can now rid yourself of the poison that lurks within
0:29:47 > 0:29:49that cowboy builders create.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53It's not just about the mess they cause, it's the effect they have on people.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57- Definitely.- As you as a person and how it affects you.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- Brian, thanks for going through that.- No problem.- Cheers, mate. - Thank you.- Pleasure.
0:30:03 > 0:30:08Our team spoke to the builder. He claimed he didn't do the work
0:30:08 > 0:30:11and that instead he gave the job to a friend of his,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14who didn't finish it because Brian never paid him.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18That sounds like a bit of a yarn to me, but it's clear that Brian
0:30:18 > 0:30:23has badly been left down and would be sunk without the good guys.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25We now look forward to the end product
0:30:25 > 0:30:30and something that we can all be proud of on a Friday afternoon.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33They're just doing the final touches
0:30:33 > 0:30:37and have even put up a shiny, new mirror for this handsome fella.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38No, not Brian, me!
0:30:38 > 0:30:41Joking apart, Brian's done a great job,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44picking out many of the fixtures himself.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47So I'm really looking forward to seeing if all my ideas
0:30:47 > 0:30:50and suggestions have come together.
0:30:50 > 0:30:55The work is finished at last. Well done, boys, you must be exhausted.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Go home and have a well-earned cup of builder's tea.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03It's nearly time for Brian to see his refurbished residence
0:31:03 > 0:31:06and our man from Merthyr is excited.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09It's a bit nerve-racking. My emotions are all over the place.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11It's a new chapter in my life.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Well, Brian, I'm afraid you're going to hold fire for a moment,
0:31:14 > 0:31:18because this big man wants to have a sneaky peek first.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Oh! 'Well, now this is what I'm talking about.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28'Look at this open-plan lounge. It's just glorious.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31'All it needs is Brian's personal touch.'
0:31:31 > 0:31:32It is amazing.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37The flooring I'm loving. If you remember before,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40all you got there was a fuse board with the open-face box.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43They've made a fantastic feature. Loving it.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47Remember we'd got damp in a lot of places all over this property.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50All that damp course has been sorted out over there.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53'Look at this supporting beam.'
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Before, it was just resting on the brick pillar in the hall.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58It was an accident waiting to happen.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01I feel really safe walking around this place,
0:32:01 > 0:32:05knowing the upstairs isn't going to land on my head.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09Isn't it amazing what can be achieved when the good guys come in?
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Let's go and have a look at the kitchen.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15The job's a good 'un.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17Room-to-room laminate flooring,
0:32:17 > 0:32:20fitted cabinets for Brian to store his sauces and saucers.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Things are looking good.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26Even though the hob's electric, this place is cooking with gas.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31They've made magnificent use of the space available.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Loving the lighting, because if you remember this was a tall ceiling.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38It was also angled. You had a drop on it like that.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Big holes in the corner, real mess.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Now, again, transformation
0:32:43 > 0:32:47beyond my wildest dreams.
0:32:47 > 0:32:53It's got a feeling of a bachelor pad, if you like, but, in a way, he is a bachelor boy,
0:32:53 > 0:32:54you know, at the moment.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57But, even in the future,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00this will be great for a couple to live in.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02It will be excellent. Loving it.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06Loving the hoods. Remarkable, remarkable finish, as well.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12Now, onto the bathroom. What have the good guys managed to achieve?
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Yeah, I mean, that looks so cool now.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Cool is an understatement.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21This place has contemporary written all over it.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25This beautiful bath fits like a dream.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29What a great place for Brian to soak away any daily woes.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32They haven't skimped on the budget, either.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35Don't you just love these power showers?
0:33:35 > 0:33:38It just looks so good, it's hard to describe, really,
0:33:38 > 0:33:40words fail me again here.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45Tiling looks fantastic. Again, a great use of the space.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48New window, nice mirror. Liking that.
0:33:49 > 0:33:55I mean, it is a perfectly usable bathroom that's in the 21st-century.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58It's what Brian wanted, something more contemporary.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59Love it.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Amazing. I'm well impressed.
0:34:04 > 0:34:05The ground floor of the house
0:34:05 > 0:34:09has been completely transformed into a pleasure palace.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13Before I show Brian, there's one person I want to thank.
0:34:13 > 0:34:18- That is amazing. Hey, John, how are you?- What do you think?
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- It looks incredible. - Finished this last night.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24Sounds like military precision of getting everybody lined up.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- It was really difficult. - John, brilliant job.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29It's a great transformation.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40For the past couple of years, Brian has been living in purgatory.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44He bought a house near his family for health reasons
0:34:44 > 0:34:45and had high renovation hopes.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49But he hit rock bottom after he fell into the cowboy trap
0:34:49 > 0:34:52at the hands of a bodging builder.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Depressed and reluctant to let his friends help,
0:34:55 > 0:34:56he'd retreated from life.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00He'd lost confidence and was a shadow of his former self.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04But the good guys have ridden into town
0:35:04 > 0:35:09and, against all odds, have restored Brian's home back into a castle.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11His friends are so excited for his future.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15Having his house done up again, I just think it will give him
0:35:15 > 0:35:17more confidence back.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Because the stress does affect his Crohn's,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22so, hopefully, he won't be as ill with his Crohn's, as well.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26Maybe he can move on and concentrate on other aspects of his life.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30From the town that gave us Laura Ashley,
0:35:30 > 0:35:32I think Brian might be ready for a bit of floral.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35I've had great control over the colour scheme,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38the colour of the wood, the kitchen.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41We were looking and I was, "What do you think of the curtains,
0:35:41 > 0:35:42"what you think of this table?"
0:35:42 > 0:35:45And it's the excitement and to see a spark in his eyes.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49He's just excited about having a home back,
0:35:49 > 0:35:50rather than bare bricks.
0:35:50 > 0:35:55There's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for our man from the Valleys.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56When I think about it,
0:35:56 > 0:36:02I get a glowing feeling inside, an excitement, so when I go back home,
0:36:02 > 0:36:05I can actually call it a home and not just somewhere I've been staying.
0:36:15 > 0:36:16Well, at long last,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Brian has now got the massive lounge he always wanted,
0:36:19 > 0:36:21a cracking kitchen and bathroom
0:36:21 > 0:36:24and, I tell you what, the whole thing looks brilliant.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Let's go and find out what he thinks about it.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32I have a sneaky feeling Brian's been out ogling at home furnishings.
0:36:32 > 0:36:33What a lucky boy.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Where is he?
0:36:37 > 0:36:39'Hope he hasn't got too carried away,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42'I want him to see the surprises we've got a store.'
0:36:42 > 0:36:44It's like being in expectant father!
0:36:47 > 0:36:50The only difference is, I've seen the baby before he has!
0:36:50 > 0:36:54He's got to be here soon.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Here he is! He's here, he's here!
0:37:01 > 0:37:04- Brian. How are you, son? - Hi, Clive, how are you?
0:37:04 > 0:37:06The council have even tarmacked the road for you!
0:37:06 > 0:37:09LAUGHTER They have, too!
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Great job. Talking of the work,
0:37:12 > 0:37:15tell me what are you hoping for?
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Well, the expectations I had initially, really,
0:37:17 > 0:37:22and more now, because it's been done by professional people.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24I'm expecting a house I can call home,
0:37:24 > 0:37:26where I can have my family around to see me
0:37:26 > 0:37:29and my friends around to entertain.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- I hope we can change the life of Brian. - LAUGHTER
0:37:33 > 0:37:35So, let's go, son. Come on.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44I've got a feeling this place is going to be party central.
0:37:45 > 0:37:46Right, OK.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Now, from the outside, just briefly,
0:37:49 > 0:37:52that's was what we finished off.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55'The good guys have sorted the damage,
0:37:55 > 0:37:59'so now all Brian has to do is match up this patch of wallpaper.'
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- It looks great. OK, are you ready to go in?- I am, yes.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Da-da-da-da da-da da daaaa! Let's go.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09Come in, Brian.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11Come in, son.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Wow.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16It's amazing. Wow.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Oh, my God.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23This place used to be full of doom and gloom.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Now it's fit for our trendy man about town.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28I mean, the difference!
0:38:28 > 0:38:29I can't believe it.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35It's not the same house. LAUGHTER
0:38:35 > 0:38:37- Wow. The pillar.- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41You've got plastered walls now, properly done. No damp.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44So it looks the absolute business. What do you think to the corner unit?
0:38:44 > 0:38:47'Remember where the gas meter was hanging by a thread
0:38:47 > 0:38:49'and was a complete eyesore?'
0:38:49 > 0:38:52'Well look at this baby now.'
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Amazing. It looks really good.
0:38:55 > 0:39:01- So now you don't see a gas meter. - No, nothing, it's just stunning.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Do you think this is somewhere you can entertain and feel proud?
0:39:04 > 0:39:07It's a home now. Yeah, definitely. Thank you.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12Before, the focal point of Brian's lounge was a piece of cardboard.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Not only was it grotty, it was unsafe.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Now it's neither,
0:39:16 > 0:39:17it's beautiful.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Once living in a world of darkness,
0:39:21 > 0:39:24I'm sure Brian is going to be sparking on all cylinders
0:39:24 > 0:39:26now our guys have shown him the light.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Come on, Brian, check this out, mate.
0:39:31 > 0:39:32Oh!
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Wow!
0:39:34 > 0:39:37It's stunning.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- Wow, look at that.- It's great, isn't it?- It's amazing.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42What do you think of the ceiling?
0:39:42 > 0:39:48Again, it doesn't look like the same room, same house.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51- It's so much better. - Is like a show home. - It is, yeah,
0:39:51 > 0:39:54very much how I envisaged before. Definitely what I wanted.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58And it's more. It's just... I can't believe it.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- Lost for words, eh?- Yes, stunned. - So would I be.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05It looks just so cool. The thing about galley kitchens is that you've got to be able
0:40:05 > 0:40:10to manipulate the space properly to make it look like you've got more space.
0:40:10 > 0:40:11Look at what he had before.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14I mean, come on, who would eat in a kitchen like this?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Brian must be thinking Santa Claus has come down the chimney.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22'As for the space where the sink was, look at it now.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25It is hard to believe it is the same place, isn't it, Brian?
0:40:25 > 0:40:29- I can't imagine what it looked like before now.- Who wants to?!
0:40:29 > 0:40:33No, not that I want to, it's just I can't imagine it.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36I couldn't imagine this happening, to be honest with you.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- It really is darkness into the light.- Yeah.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42It's just... Phew. Too much to take in.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45But I'm saving the best for last.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47Oh, my God, wow.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50BRIAN LAUGHS
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Wow, it's amazing!
0:40:54 > 0:40:55A shower.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59And the shower is supposed to be really powerful, as well.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01It's supposed to have some real kick.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Remember what Brian had.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06A bath that was gouged into the wall.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09Now, it's perfectly sealed and fit for a king.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13And as for the windowsill, it was just a brick wall.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Now, it's just as Brian wanted, clean, clean, clean.
0:41:18 > 0:41:23- But you're loving the tiling and the effect?- It's amazing, Clive.
0:41:23 > 0:41:24More than I could've expected.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28I couldn't have envisaged it, the way it was before
0:41:28 > 0:41:31with the pipe the dodgy toilet and the backing up.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35'Well, Brian, this toilet is the bee's knees.'
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Just overwhelmed. Amazing.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41'What was that Brian? I didn't quite catch that.'
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Stunning. Amazing.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Life goes on and life moves on.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51- I've been well chuffed to turn it around for you.- Thank you, Clive.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- I really appreciate it. - Thanks letting us into your life. - Thank you.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57I'll let you carry on looking round the house.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- Cheers, buddy. - No problem, thanks, Clive.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08- HE WHISPERS:- I think he's choked.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Well, once again, I think it is proof positive
0:42:16 > 0:42:20that when you get the good guys in, you get a good job done.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23You've also got to remember not to take people on face value,
0:42:23 > 0:42:26whether they're recommended by a friend or family member,
0:42:26 > 0:42:28do your research and check them out.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32That way, you won't go falling into the cowboy trap.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35As for the cowboy builder, I've got this to say.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38You know who you are and now we know who you are
0:42:38 > 0:42:41and, soon, Trading Standards will know it, too,
0:42:41 > 0:42:44because I've collected all the information on you
0:42:44 > 0:42:48and I'm going to take it to Trading Standards and see what they want to do about it.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54If you've had a problem with builders
0:42:54 > 0:42:57and would like to tell your story on Cowboy Trap,
0:42:57 > 0:42:58then please call us...
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Or you can send us an e-mail...
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Help us round up the cowboys!
0:43:29 > 0:43:32Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd