0:00:07 > 0:00:10Make no mistake, Britain's cowboy builders
0:00:10 > 0:00:12are drinking in the last chance saloon.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15I just trusted these people
0:00:15 > 0:00:19and I thought they were doing the right thing.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Straight out of Dodge City, these guys are outlaws
0:00:22 > 0:00:24and they trample on people's dreams.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29It's standing proud. There's no need for that, that should be flush.
0:00:29 > 0:00:30That's just nonsense.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34We've rounded up the good guys to turn these houses of horror
0:00:34 > 0:00:36into heavenly homes.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41It's not just your home they destroy, they destroy you as well.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43So take a tip from me -
0:00:43 > 0:00:47the next 30 minutes could well keep you out of the cowboy trap.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Today, Cowboy Trap is in Bristol, birthplace of Banksy,
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Wallace & Gromit and a famous blackcurrant cordial
0:01:05 > 0:01:07which was invented at the brilliantly named
0:01:07 > 0:01:11National Fruit and Cider Institute during World War Two.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15And 100 years earlier a certain Isambard Kingdom Brunel
0:01:15 > 0:01:18designed another national icon here.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21The magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge behind me
0:01:21 > 0:01:24is a triumph to British civil engineering.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28It was so perfectly constructed that although it was designed
0:01:28 > 0:01:30for horse-drawn traffic and pedestrians,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33nowadays it carries millions of vehicles.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35But sadly we're not here to take a look at that,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37in fact quite the opposite,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40because the contractor in our sights is a cowboy.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44His unwitting victims live in this bungalow.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48It's home to 54-year-old Teresa Joseph
0:01:48 > 0:01:52and her 24-year-old daughter Georgina, who has cerebral palsy.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Two years ago, Teresa's much-loved mum died,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58and Teresa decided that she and Georgina
0:01:58 > 0:02:01should move away from their small Devon town.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03I felt we could start a new life
0:02:03 > 0:02:08and because I was very close to my mum, we were like sisters.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Teresa wanted to go somewhere which would provide more job opportunities
0:02:12 > 0:02:14for her and Georgina.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17She thought nearby Bristol ticked all the right boxes.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21When she found this bungalow on the outskirts of the city,
0:02:21 > 0:02:22it was love at first sight.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26I could just see myself living here.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31It was cosy, it was old fashioned but it was liveable,
0:02:31 > 0:02:36it was lovely and clean and there was a friendly atmosphere about it.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41Teresa and Georgina moved in in early 2011.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43The bungalow was far from the finished article
0:02:43 > 0:02:47and Teresa couldn't wait to create their new home.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50She realised it was in desperate need of modernisation
0:02:50 > 0:02:53but she could also see it had loads of potential.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57A big, spacious kitchen extension was the cornerstone of her dream.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01Teresa needed to find a builder
0:03:01 > 0:03:04but didn't know where to start in an unknown city.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07When her sister recommended a local building firm,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09it seemed the ideal solution.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13She said she knew two builders. and they were very good.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16They were expensive but they'd done a good job.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20I thought since she's my sister it would be all good, you know.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26A local architect drew up plans for the kitchen extension
0:03:26 > 0:03:30and Teresa sensed her dream was on the verge of becoming a reality.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33She was finalising arrangements for the extension with the builder
0:03:33 > 0:03:36when out of the blue he suggested a crucial alteration to the design
0:03:36 > 0:03:41to reduce costs and avoid the need for planning permission.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44He wanted to build a conservatory which meant
0:03:44 > 0:03:48he could get past a whole host of building regulations.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52After much persuasion, reluctantly Teresa agreed.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54It's a decision she's regretted to this very day.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01He said, we'll put radiators out there, blah, blah, blah.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05He eventually made me believe that it would pay me
0:04:05 > 0:04:07to have a conservatory.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Take a tip from me.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15If your builder wants to change the spec of your project
0:04:15 > 0:04:17to avoid building regs - beware!
0:04:17 > 0:04:22A decent builder has no problem with Building Control getting involved.
0:04:22 > 0:04:23A cowboy does.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27If your instincts tell you your builder is pulling a fast one,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30listen to them and run for the hills.
0:04:32 > 0:04:39So, Teresa wanted an extension but was persuaded to have a conservatory instead to avoid red tape.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Then she made another common mistake.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45She told the builder her budget was £32,000
0:04:45 > 0:04:48and guess what his quote came in at?
0:04:48 > 0:04:50You've guessed it - £32,000.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54This was to create Teresa's kitchen extension,
0:04:54 > 0:04:59put in a new bathroom and improve her windows, doors and garden.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02The builder demanded five grand upfront.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06Teresa paid and work started in March 2011.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10But the £5,000 was just the start of his regular financial demands.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16It was 500 for this, 300 for that, 700 for this.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18That's how it kept going on.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22I just couldn't get a grasp of it so I rang my sister
0:05:22 > 0:05:26and I said to her, "They keep asking me for money all the time.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29"Am I supposed to be doing it?"
0:05:29 > 0:05:31"Oh", she said, "this is what builders do".
0:05:33 > 0:05:34Take my advice.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39Agree a payment schedule with your builder at the start of the job and stick to it.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Reputable builders don't need payments up front
0:05:42 > 0:05:44to cover the cost of materials.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48They have accounts with suppliers which allow them to build now
0:05:48 > 0:05:50and you to pay later.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52I just trusted these people
0:05:52 > 0:05:55and I thought they were doing the right thing.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00But it wasn't just the money that was a concern.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04The builder's team were leaving the bungalow in a terrible mess each day
0:06:04 > 0:06:08and they were extremely unreliable.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10A lot of the jobs they forgot to do.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Electricians weren't turning up,
0:06:12 > 0:06:16when they were doing the footings as well all they had in
0:06:16 > 0:06:18was young boys digging there.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Not surprisingly, with such inexperienced labour,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25the few bits that were finished were shoddy.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28The roof of the conservatory leaked like a sieve.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Think this sounds bad? Well, you ain't heard nothing yet.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37The builder started treating Teresa's bungalow like his own home.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41I'd come home and they'd all be sat here having dinner
0:06:41 > 0:06:43with the television on.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Then the next minute you'd come back here
0:06:45 > 0:06:50and there was the grandchildren here and the wives here.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Then one of the wives would turn up with a sister from America.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56It was open house for the whole family.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Can you Adam and Eve it?
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Talk about taking liberties.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Young Georgina couldn't believe how the builders treated her mum.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09They'd shout at her and tell her off
0:07:09 > 0:07:11and me thinking this is our property,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15you're the builders you do the work or you get out.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18Georgina was stunned
0:07:18 > 0:07:21when the builder wouldn't agree to the most basic requests.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Outside the front we'd asked for the step to be higher.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Because of my cerebral palsy in my leg
0:07:28 > 0:07:31I find it very difficult to get out of the front door.
0:07:31 > 0:07:32They've never done that.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37In May 2011, the builder packed up and left.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43It soon became apparent the conservatory was a disaster.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Condensation was running down the windows,
0:07:46 > 0:07:47there were damp patches everywhere
0:07:47 > 0:07:50and when Teresa called in building inspectors
0:07:50 > 0:07:53they noticed problems with the foundations.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Worse still, the whole structure had been built over a drain.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Teresa had no paperwork for the electrics
0:08:03 > 0:08:06or guarantees for the windows. Oh, dear.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11When I say that cowboy builders not only ruin bricks and mortar
0:08:11 > 0:08:14they ruin people's lives too.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17I'm thinking of experiences just like Teresa's.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20The nightmare build and shoddy outcome was bad enough
0:08:20 > 0:08:23but this whole affair has taken its toll on Teresa
0:08:23 > 0:08:25and it's split the family apart.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31Remember, Teresa hired her builder on recommendation from her sister
0:08:31 > 0:08:35which means this botched build has created a family rift.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Mum's sister sided with the builders and she's gone her way,
0:08:38 > 0:08:42we've gone our separate way and we just don't speak to her any more.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45It's such a shame, it is such a shame.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50My whole life has stopped for the last year so,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52just completely stopped.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55All it's been focused at is try and get something sorted on here.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02It's not just your home they destroy, they destroy you as well.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Having the builders in is one of the most stressful times of your life,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12there's no doubt about it.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14But there is certainly no excuse for stuff like this.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18I want to see after all that what Teresa has been left with
0:09:18 > 0:09:23and then see what we, the good guys, can do to put it right.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27'This is such a heart breaking story, I really hope
0:09:27 > 0:09:30'we can get Teresa's dream back on track.'
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Hello, you must be Teresa.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- I am, yes.- Hello, I'm Clive from Cowboy Trap. How are you doing?
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- I'm fine, thank you.- Jolly good.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- Now, I hear you've had problems with cowboy builder.- Yes, I have, yes.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Now it involves the extension in the back.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48- That's right.- Can I get to it? Can I have a look at it?- Yes, you can. You can get round the side.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52'While Teresa puts the kettle on, I check it out.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55It doesn't take long for me to find a problem.'
0:09:55 > 0:09:58This is obviously where the new extension is
0:09:58 > 0:10:01to the existing building. But look at this.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Where it's been trimmed up, it's standing proud. There's no need for that. That should be flush.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07That's just nonsense.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11And when following in the footsteps of cowboys
0:10:11 > 0:10:14sometimes all you need to do is follow your nose.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17This is a sewer and check this baby out.
0:10:18 > 0:10:23That is in line with this extension, so you know what they've done?
0:10:23 > 0:10:25They've built directly over a sewer
0:10:25 > 0:10:30and because of the way that sewer is flowing, that is a public sewer.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34There's no way we're leaving that open. I can guarantee you that.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39Teresa's already up the proverbial creek without a paddle.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41No need to make it any worse.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Uh-oh, spoke too soon.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47It is getting worse.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49That's the parapet top there.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52On top of that you've got coping stones.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Those coping stones, the wings of them, are no way near wide enough.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58They've got these built-in channels underneath
0:10:58 > 0:11:01and they're designed to wick away water when it rains.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03They need to be much wider than that.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06As you can see, because it's so close
0:11:06 > 0:11:10and because of those, you can see the grooves just at the bottom,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13where the water's gathering that'll be going right in
0:11:13 > 0:11:16and down behind all of this.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18So, all of the render that's on the front
0:11:18 > 0:11:21moisture will definitely be getting in behind there.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24I'll eat my hat if we haven't got any damp ingress
0:11:24 > 0:11:26already cracking off of this building.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31OK, I haven't got a hat and I'm on a diet but you get the idea.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Another concern - there's no bottle gully to run rain water
0:11:36 > 0:11:38from the guttering into a drain.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Water's going to flow straight down the drive onto the road.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45That breaches building regs, my friends.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50All that water, every possibility that could start undermining footings,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53getting in the brick work.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55That is rubbish.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59And so is that lead flashing next to the parapet.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01What a bodge!
0:12:01 > 0:12:05It's bad when you look up and it's bad when you look down.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Those courses there should be engineering bricks, blue bricks.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10They've just used house bricks.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14I'm almost too nervous to go inside.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Duh-duh-duh!
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Eurgh.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23We've got mould spores. We've got moisture ingress coming in.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27That's all to do with that parapet and those copers, I'll tell you that now.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Look at that.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32That is a lot of water that's been coming in at some stage.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Sunny day today, but I bet you when it rains
0:12:35 > 0:12:36it trickles down all the time.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39What's going on in that corner, I have not got a Scooby Doo.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41You know me by now, that means clue.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45And not even Scooby and his gang can solve the mystery
0:12:45 > 0:12:49of how the man who did all this could call himself a builder.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51MUTTERS LIKE SCOOBY DOO
0:12:51 > 0:12:53There's no vents in these windows
0:12:53 > 0:12:57and you know that that means - condensation.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59With the emphasis on 'con'.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02There are no doors between the main house and the conservatory
0:13:02 > 0:13:05which means this structure isn't legal.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07'Time for a heart to heart with Teresa
0:13:07 > 0:13:10'about this sorry state of affairs.'
0:13:10 > 0:13:13What I'm really concerned about is,
0:13:13 > 0:13:18I tell people how cowboy builders coming into your home
0:13:18 > 0:13:22and into your life can ruin your property
0:13:22 > 0:13:24but they can also ruin your life.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28You tell me about it. What I've gone through.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31I just sit on the bed crying, crying, crying all the time.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Even this morning I was in the bathroom crying my eyes out.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36I just hate getting up on a morning.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39I don't want to face the day no more.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43I've never been in a place like it in my life.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48Are you saying with what you've got left, they've taken the £32,000?
0:13:48 > 0:13:51No, they've taken £44-£45,000 off me.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- What?- Yeah.- How come?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57I'd ask them how much is this going to cost
0:13:57 > 0:13:59and he'd go we'll sort that out, we'll sort that out.
0:13:59 > 0:14:05We've jumped from 32 to 44, a full £12,000 more...
0:14:05 > 0:14:07I know.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10I've got to be honest, this is doing my head in now.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13The whole thing is just doing my head in.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Oh, dear.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18£44,000 for this shambles?
0:14:20 > 0:14:21Take a tip from me.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25If you're paying out thousands of pounds on a building project
0:14:25 > 0:14:29spend a few extra quid on some ink and paper for a formal contract.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33Confirm in writing the overall cost, the payment schedule
0:14:33 > 0:14:36and the fact receipts must be provided on request.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40If costs start to multiply, your builder is in breach of contract
0:14:40 > 0:14:44strengthening your position if you do need to go to court.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50This is the most unusual situation that I've ever come across.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- Is it? - Without a shadow of a doubt.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59In terms of the finances, the way the build has gone, you've now,
0:14:59 > 0:15:05you're light of £40,000-odd, what have you got for that £40,000-odd?
0:15:05 > 0:15:11Have you got anything for that money that is worth having?
0:15:11 > 0:15:13No, nothing.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16This is an absolute disgrace.
0:15:16 > 0:15:22One of the worst Cowboy Traps ever. I'm determined to get it sorted.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24To help make sure I haven't missed anything
0:15:24 > 0:15:28I've asked independent building surveyor, Matt Belgrove, to take a look.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- You can see the problems. - That's right, yeah.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37There's clear signs of water ingress internally here.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41The plaster itself is heavily saturated
0:15:41 > 0:15:47and I think it's fairly apparent that behind that the wall is damp.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51In here there is probably a hidden problem we've got
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- and that is, it could be sitting on a drain.- Yes, yes.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57We understand from Building Controls' comments
0:15:57 > 0:16:01that there could be a drain immediately below this.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05You can build over them but you need to do it correctly, really.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10And looking at the rest of this botched build that is highly unlikely.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11Matt's mind is made up.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18What mark out of ten would you give for the work that you've seen?
0:16:18 > 0:16:21I'd certainly struggle to give it more than five, I think, Clive.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23In this instance, four.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25OK, so we're giving it a four out of ten,
0:16:25 > 0:16:27that's nothing to be proud of in any way, shape or form.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Especially when you've forked out £44,000 for it.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Value for money? I don't think so.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39I've seen enough of this, it's a real mess.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43It's a total disgrace in actual fact as a build goes.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46As far as I'm concerned I'm now declaring it a no-go zone
0:16:46 > 0:16:48because we need to rip it up and start again.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51I'm going to cordon it off and say to you this,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55the only people allowed past this tape are myself and those good guys,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58so let's bring them on.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Bring them on indeed.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Here are my knights in shining armour
0:17:03 > 0:17:07led by all-round good guy, Paul Hilton.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Before he gets cracking I want a chinwag with the moustachioed maestro.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17This whole extension-cum-conservatory is a debacle. What's your plan?
0:17:17 > 0:17:22Basically, it's to demolish it and rebuild it, you know,
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- to the extent it would satisfy conservatory rules and regs.- Yeah.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31It can never, ever be an extension.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36Not without chucking loads and loads more money at it
0:17:36 > 0:17:40which, unfortunately, the original cowboys have had it away with.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43There's loads of things wrong with it
0:17:43 > 0:17:47and probably the worst offending one would be
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- that it's actually been built over a public sewer.- Yeah.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55Which, er, the reason they weren't allowed to have an extension
0:17:55 > 0:17:58was because the extra weight would have just have collapsed that sewer
0:17:58 > 0:18:01and then the whole street would have been in trouble.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Not only that, the home owners are going to be in big trouble, that's for sure.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Trouble with a capital T.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11As the song goes it's time to -
0:18:11 > 0:18:14# Rip it up and start again. #
0:18:16 > 0:18:19So much needs doing, Teresa is chipping in.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23First up - old conservatory down.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Good to see the back of that.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Next they measure the new doors
0:18:30 > 0:18:34which will separate the kitchen from the conservatory.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Then it's time to work on the gable wall.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Soon Paul's posse are piecing together the new conservatory.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Can they bring Teresa's dream back to life?
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Only time will tell.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59I'm back in Bristol where Teresa Joseph and her daughter, Georgina,
0:18:59 > 0:19:03were facing the stuff of nightmares with a painful, shoddy botched build.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Our good guys have now finished their work
0:19:06 > 0:19:10and I'm here to find out if they've saved the day.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Before I talk it through with Teresa and Georgina,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15I can't resist taking a sneaky peak.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22I can see straight away that the actual downspout for the surface water is missing
0:19:22 > 0:19:25so all that water that was gushing here
0:19:25 > 0:19:28and probably undermining the footings as well as just rushing down the driveway,
0:19:28 > 0:19:32that was a real pain, certainly in winter that would have frozen up,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34that's gone.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Paul's addressed that conservatory wall which is now flush.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43And talking of flush, remember the sewer situation?
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It's now gone from pooh to phew.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Building Control is happy the new design of this conservatory
0:19:49 > 0:19:51doesn't contravene building regs.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Time to check out the new design for myself.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Yeah, I mean, straight away you can see what a total change.
0:20:02 > 0:20:08This sort of Victorian-stylee conservatory now is...
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Oh, man! It looks so different.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14It's almost unrecognisable from before.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18Nice one!
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Let's take a look from the garden.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21It looks a million dollars.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24If you were coming to buy that property, this would be
0:20:24 > 0:20:27a real winner on the back of the house, because you've got a lovely
0:20:27 > 0:20:31garden to look at, but now you've also got a great conservatory, too.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35I mean, before, that conservatory was a real mishmash.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37This looks top-bombing.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Time to check out the inside.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45Remember, before, it looked like this.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Now, it looks like this.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54What Building Control wanted was to definitely define this as a conservatory.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58So, therefore, that opening there needed a door in it.
0:20:58 > 0:21:04Paul and the boys have put in this bifolding door. Let's look at it.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08If you wanted to, you've got the door to open there, glazed as well.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12You can open that fully so that it becomes, really,
0:21:12 > 0:21:16flowing into the kitchen. Furthermore, look at this.
0:21:16 > 0:21:22You can actually now open that right up. And that's fantastic.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25This is what she wanted, really, was the fact that she could
0:21:25 > 0:21:29flow from the kitchen into the dining area.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33But now, you've got a wonderful conservatory to go with it.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37These roof panels, you'll see there's a blue tinge in that.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43What it does is, in winter, it keeps the warmth in, and in summer,
0:21:43 > 0:21:47it'll reflect the sun so that it keeps it cooler in the conservatory
0:21:47 > 0:21:50as well as having that lovely, light fan.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54It just looks a whole heap better.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Yes, indeed-y!
0:21:57 > 0:22:01Before I talk it through with Teresa, I'd like a powwow
0:22:01 > 0:22:03about her cowboy builder.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05I wanted to find out his side of the story
0:22:05 > 0:22:09so I could hear her responses to his version of events.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Starting with why he didn't take more precautions to avoid
0:22:12 > 0:22:16the damp problem in Teresa's conservatory.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20He says he was under no obligation to put vents into the windows that he replaced.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24He replaced those windows because the old windows didn't have them.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Did he say he was going to put vents in there?
0:22:26 > 0:22:30No, we didn't say he was going to put vents in, but the condensation
0:22:30 > 0:22:34was just so bad that it needed some ventilation in there.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36I just felt as though he didn't want to help me anyway.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Everything I asked him, you know, or suggested, he said,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- "Who do you think is going to pay for it?"- OK.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45He also says he did come back and try and sort out the condensation
0:22:45 > 0:22:48and the mould problems for you. Is that true?
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Yeah, with a bottle of mould and mildew.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54He said I had to do that all the time.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55Personally, I don't get that,
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- because the problem needs to be solved at source.- Yes.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01You can't keep spraying that sort of thing on.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06- At first, he told us that it was definitely- your- idea
0:23:06 > 0:23:12to have a conservatory, because you couldn't afford an extension.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Now, this is in two parts, if you like.- Yeah.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16But then, he changed his mind
0:23:16 > 0:23:21and said you had indeed originally wanted an extension.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24So, what's the truth in that?
0:23:24 > 0:23:27I did want an extension.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31I wanted a proper extension, where we could eat out there.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34He kept saying to me that it was too expensive
0:23:34 > 0:23:36and I wouldn't be able to afford it.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41Then he said to me, "I can do you an extension,"
0:23:41 > 0:23:45and he promised me it would be as good as an extension.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49For what I was paying, I thought it was going to be wonderful.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51You know, really, really nice.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56And nice it most certainly wasn't.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59As Frankie Howerd would have said,
0:23:59 > 0:24:02"Nay, nay and thrice nay!"
0:24:03 > 0:24:07The builder also denies that Teresa paid him £44,000.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12He reckons that it was nearer 30,000,
0:24:12 > 0:24:16so there's a discrepancy there of £14,000.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18No, I didn't know what I was doing.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23As soon as they came in, they wanted 5,000 straightaway.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26They said they wanted it for materials and that.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29All I was doing was pulling money out, pulling money out.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32£500 here, £2,500...
0:24:32 > 0:24:35And that's when I got my building society book out
0:24:35 > 0:24:40and added it all up, and that's what it came to - £44,000.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45Unfortunately, Teresa didn't get receipts for the payments she made,
0:24:45 > 0:24:48which would've resolved this dispute over how much
0:24:48 > 0:24:49she paid her builder.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53He also said you were spending your inheritance like water
0:24:53 > 0:24:57and buying all sorts of things.
0:24:57 > 0:25:03I guess what he's trying to say is that you lost track of the money,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05because, in his opinion,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08you were spending money like it was going out of fashion.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- SHE GASPS - I was not spending it!
0:25:10 > 0:25:14All I bought was some curtains and some blinds for...
0:25:14 > 0:25:18Well, that's what you buy, isn't it, when you have jobs done?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20I didn't spend it as though it was going...
0:25:20 > 0:25:24As you can see, I got most of my stuff from charity shops,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27things that were in the sale, and I didn't... I did not...
0:25:27 > 0:25:31I did not... Oh, I think that's disgusting!
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Y-ouch!
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Well, I reckon Teresa needs a bit of cheering up.
0:25:37 > 0:25:38And I know just the tonic.
0:25:38 > 0:25:43The Josephs have lived with the work as it's been going on.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47But now, I am about to reveal the finished results in all their glory.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50One, two, three...
0:25:50 > 0:25:52open your eyes.
0:25:54 > 0:25:55Oh!
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- It's lovely. - Oh, isn't that beautiful?
0:25:58 > 0:26:01That's superb.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Oh, beautiful, isn't it? Oh, look, I can see outside!
0:26:05 > 0:26:07You can see outside!
0:26:07 > 0:26:11Before, you had, of course, the plastic roof,
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- and it was more of a sloping roof. - Yes.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Now you've go this more Victorian-style roof on it.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21It's beautiful. We'll be able to see the stars at night, won't we?
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Oh, isn't it absolutely beautiful?
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Oh, Georgina, look at the French doors!
0:26:25 > 0:26:29It's got French doors as well. Of course, what about these doors? Do you like these doors?
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Haven't had a chance to look at them. Oh, aren't they beautiful?
0:26:33 > 0:26:36See, they are like bifolding doors, so they just open up.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- You don't have to have them like that.- No?
0:26:39 > 0:26:43You can turn them around or have one door open or have them all open,
0:26:43 > 0:26:44but it gives you the flow, then.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47What sort of a difference, now you've got this,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50do you think this is going to make to your life?
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Oh, completely.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54I want to do things to this, where the other,
0:26:54 > 0:26:58I just didn't want to clean it, I didn't want to bother with it.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00What do you think to it, Georgina? Give it the thumbs up?
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- Very nice.- Yeah.- Very nice.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08And what's also very nice is that local building control
0:27:08 > 0:27:11will sign it off, because there are now doors separating
0:27:11 > 0:27:13the conservatory from the house.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Time to see what it looks like from the garden.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20The Josephs are impressed.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Oh, isn't that fantastic?
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- Isn't it beautiful? - Wonderful!- Yeah.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27Now, I remember, Teresa, you were saying to me
0:27:27 > 0:27:30that you use to weep at night thinking about having to look
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- at this old conservatory you had before.- Yes.
0:27:33 > 0:27:38- Do you think that might change? - Definitely. I have stopped already!
0:27:38 > 0:27:40- SHE LAUGHS - I've stopped already!
0:27:40 > 0:27:42I like it! Yeah. Which is great.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44I mean, from the outside, I'm loving it,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47cos you've got the fleur-de-lis at the top there, the crowns.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49It just looks fantastic, doesn't it?
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Well, it's...
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- It's beautiful.- Anyway, listen, it's been lovely to help you out.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- Best of luck for the future. - Thank you so very, very much.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59See you soon.
0:27:59 > 0:28:00'What a great result!
0:28:00 > 0:28:03'More cowboy trap victims rescued.'
0:28:05 > 0:28:09You know, I am chuffed to bits for Teresa and for Georgina, of course.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12After their nightmare, I am so glad we've been able to bring
0:28:12 > 0:28:15a ray of sunshine into their life, quite literally.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18And what about our good guys? What a fantastic job they've done.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20And I tell you something else,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23it proves there are good guys out there if you only do your research.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26And as for you cowboys out there, we're declaring it high noon,
0:28:26 > 0:28:29and we're coming to get you!
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd