0:00:09 > 0:00:12Over the years, I've seen some real cowboy bodge jobs.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16The stuff of nightmares, that would keep anybody awake at night.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20I was left with a shell, an absolute shell. No floor, just a shell.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24Today, I'm revisiting homeowners that got caught in the Cowboy Trap
0:00:24 > 0:00:28by bungling builders who left them well and truly in the lurch.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33It will never be finished. We're always going to live in squalor.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37I can't wait to see how their homes and their lives have moved on
0:00:37 > 0:00:38since we got them back on track.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40It's amazing what you've done.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- Well, you haven't seen anything yet. - You've got the stone tiles down.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Yes, David did it. - All the way through.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49We've learnt from you, Clive, how to vet builders now.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51I think we could take anybody on now.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55And along the way, I'll be giving you some top hints and tips in the hope
0:00:55 > 0:00:58it will prevent you from falling into the Cowboy Trap.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Today's Cowboy Trap is a cautionary tale of cowboy builders
0:01:11 > 0:01:15running amok, and a stern lesson on what can go wrong
0:01:15 > 0:01:18if you lose control of your building project.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Two couples, two seriously big builds.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25What both have in common is that by biting off more than they could chew,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27they ended up with the cowboys calling the shots,
0:01:27 > 0:01:33with consequences that would wreak havoc with their homes and lives.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38- I would have been quite happy just to pack a bag.- Happy to pack a bag?
0:01:38 > 0:01:39Just go, yeah.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44There's no way that foundation is deep enough to alleviate this problem.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46We need to underpin.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49I think this is where the anger really overflows now,
0:01:49 > 0:01:54because these builders have had no regard for anybody's safety.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Later, I'll be catching up with Donna and Ash from Leicester,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00whose failure to keep tabs on two cowboy builders
0:02:00 > 0:02:03resulted in the stuff of nightmares.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05Just don't know what to expect, you know.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09The worst scenario, they could pull the whole extension down.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13But first, I'm returning to the London Borough of Greenwich,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16where Susan and David Bassett's ambitious plans to redevelop
0:02:16 > 0:02:21this three-bedroom semi came unstuck, because they failed to notice
0:02:21 > 0:02:25their builder was incompetent and simply not up to the job.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30Banking PA Susan and landscape gardener David were near-neighbours for 14 years,
0:02:30 > 0:02:35before love blossomed and they decided to tie the knot eight years ago.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39In 2006, they bought their first house together.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42It was in a great location but needed refurbishing
0:02:42 > 0:02:43and would have to be adapted
0:02:43 > 0:02:46so that their mothers could visit the property.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49Both of our mothers, unfortunately, are in wheelchairs and to have them
0:02:49 > 0:02:53at the property, they would need the access to a downstairs toilet.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59The happy couple also wanted space to pursue their own interests.
0:02:59 > 0:03:05This would include a room to house former DJ David's mighty record collection
0:03:05 > 0:03:08and an art studio upstairs for them both.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11The view from the top of the house is excellent.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13I have interest in painting
0:03:13 > 0:03:16and I thought this would be an ideal art studio and, with the vision
0:03:16 > 0:03:22across the park, would be one, relaxing and two, inspiring.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27In March 2010, they hired a builder to carry out a loft conversion,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29build a double-storey side extension,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32and add a garden room at the back of the house.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35It was a colossal job, which came with an equally hefty
0:03:35 > 0:03:39price tag of 94 grand.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42The work appeared to get off to a good start.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45But as Susan and David weren't around during the day,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48they failed to spot what was really happening - nothing.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Neighbours had told us, "We've noticed that when you've
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- "been at work, there's nothing happening."- That was September.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56That was alarm bells.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59We think, "This should be completed by the end of October.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03"This is September and there's no work happening."
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Take my advice.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09It's never a good idea to embark on a major building project
0:04:09 > 0:04:11if you can't be there to supervise it.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15At the very least, you need to ask a friend or relative
0:04:15 > 0:04:18to help make sure your builders are on site and on schedule.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19With a project as big as this,
0:04:19 > 0:04:23you're best off hiring an independent project manager.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Back at the Bassetts', it felt like the builder was playing
0:04:26 > 0:04:28a game of hide-and-seek.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31But Susan and David gave him the benefit of the doubt.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34We took this up with the builder, and we were given excuses,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36one after the other which...
0:04:36 > 0:04:39But they were all fairly plausible at the time.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43So plausible, in fact, the Bassetts believed him
0:04:43 > 0:04:47when he told them not to worry, as everything was on schedule.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51But as weeks of delays turned into months, they began to suspect
0:04:51 > 0:04:56the builder's long list of excuses was little more than lies.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00Susan suffers with sciatica, and she and David ended up
0:05:00 > 0:05:04with no roof and no central heating at the worst possible time.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Winter was the worst ever on record.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10We had to watch TV with coats, hats and gloves on.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12In February 2011,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15four months after the job should have been completed,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Susan and David's builder walked off the job
0:05:18 > 0:05:21and said that another builder was coming to take over.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23That was the last they'd heard from him.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28Before their cowboy fled, Susan and David had paid him £78,000,
0:05:28 > 0:05:32just 16 grand less than their original quote.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34But they were left in an unbelievable
0:05:34 > 0:05:37and dangerous state, without heating, guttering,
0:05:37 > 0:05:41no kitchen or bathroom and an incomplete roof.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42You get the picture?
0:05:42 > 0:05:46A contractor they had brought in to take over the job made the most of
0:05:46 > 0:05:51what little money they had left, but the house is nowhere near finished.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53The couple began to wonder how they were going to get out
0:05:53 > 0:05:55of this mess they were in.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59I still look at it and I think it will never be finished
0:05:59 > 0:06:02and we're always going to live in squalor.
0:06:02 > 0:06:08'Susan and David were at rock bottom when I visited them in spring 2011.'
0:06:08 > 0:06:13- Hiya.- Morning, Clive.- You must be Susie and David.- We are.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- Can I come in?- If you'd like to put your boots on...
0:06:17 > 0:06:22'On this occasion, first impressions weren't misleading.'
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Join in the plaster there.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27'The Bassetts had wanted an accessible downstairs toilet.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30'But they hadn't got one.'
0:06:30 > 0:06:32What's this supposed to be?
0:06:32 > 0:06:37The door to the garage... Oh, that's a toilet.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40'I discovered one bodge job after another
0:06:40 > 0:06:45'and things weren't much better in the bathroom upstairs.'
0:06:45 > 0:06:49I'm not 100% sure how this floor's been laid out.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52I just felt one of these tiles move under my feet.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Somebody must have had a plan. I'm just not sure who.
0:06:56 > 0:07:02'Back downstairs, the heating system was missing a vital ingredient.'
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Radiators in. It's not parked up, that's for sure.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09I hope they weren't like that in this last winter.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Because if that wasn't plumbed in, it would have been chilly-willy in here.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17'And outside, things were every bit as shoddy.'
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Well, look at this.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20This is nuts.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23As you look down here,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27this is where the drainage system should be to drain away.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30I don't know how long this has been in this situation,
0:07:30 > 0:07:35but you can see we've got saltation coming out onto the brickwork.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40That means there is a lot of rain gathering there and that's not good.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43This is an incomplete job, for sure.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Those bricks there that have been faced off,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49they're ready for a render coat.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54The bad side of it far outweighs the good, without a shadow of a doubt.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57'It was a catalogue of disasters, in fact.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02'And when I arrived, Susan and David had been living in a building site for two long months.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06'There was no doubting the profound effect the experience had had on the couple.'
0:08:06 > 0:08:10When you got to the stage where you had come to loggerheads, and you thought to yourself,
0:08:10 > 0:08:14"That dream I always had in my mind has now gone,"
0:08:14 > 0:08:16what did that feel like?
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- I would have been quite happy just to pack a bag.- Really?
0:08:20 > 0:08:23We had that talk, yeah.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Happy to pack a bag due to this guy?
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- Just go, yeah. - Wow, now that is hard to take.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38That's the level of stress that these guys can cause.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Yeah.- And that's something you can really hate them for.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44There's no two ways about it.
0:08:44 > 0:08:49If ever there was a need for our good guys, this was it.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51If the Bassetts were to get their dreams back on track,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55it would take our knights in a shining van to do it.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Head builder Paul and his team not only transformed the bathroom,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01they made the staircase safe, sorted the heating out
0:09:01 > 0:09:04and made the downstairs toilet accessible
0:09:04 > 0:09:07for David and Susan's mums to use when they visit.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10They even worked their magic outside, too.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13# They re-rendered. They re-rendered. #
0:09:13 > 0:09:15That looks a cracking job.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18That was bare brick before. Now it's been rendered, painted... Love it!
0:09:20 > 0:09:23And I also love it when our good guys show just what can be
0:09:23 > 0:09:27achieved when you get skilled tradesmen on the job.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Thanks to their efforts, this build was back on track.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33But Susan and David still had plenty to do to achieve
0:09:33 > 0:09:35the transformation they'd dreamed of.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I'm back in Greenwich to find out if Susie and David
0:09:40 > 0:09:44have managed to build on the kick-start that we gave them.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47I can already see they've improved their kerb appeal.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50Last time I was here, this place was a dumping ground.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Now it's as sweet as a suburban nut.
0:09:54 > 0:09:55(Looks different.)
0:09:55 > 0:09:59'I wonder what else they've been up to since I last saw them a year ago.'
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Here they come.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- Oh, it's lovely to see you again. - Hello.- Susie, how are you? - Hello, Clive.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- Lovely to see you.- And you. I tell you what, it looks different already from outside.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- A lot of changes.- Certainly does. - Do you mind showing me round what's happened inside?
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- Certainly, come in.- Great.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16'What an entrance. I don't mean mine, of course.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19'I'm talking about the stunning work the couple have done
0:10:19 > 0:10:21'to their passageway.'
0:10:21 > 0:10:24You've got the stone tiles down.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- David did it.- All the way through. - Yeah. Wow.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30In fact, David did this the way you showed him to on the show,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- so basically...- Yeah, planning it out, dry-laying it.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- And all the plywood first. - Really pleased with it.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- Plywood throughout.- Fantastic.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42'What can I say? This man was taught by a master.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44'Well, if they can do this, I can't wait to see
0:10:44 > 0:10:48'how they've transformed their artistic retreat upstairs.'
0:10:48 > 0:10:51So here we are, Clive, in the attic room.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52So this is the attic conversion.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55I do remember the last time I was here it had sub-floor,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- didn't have the boards down. - That's right.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01Certainly wasn't decorated or anything like that. It had a couple of chairs in it.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04But I think the way you've actually designed this is amazing.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06'Before, it was just bare floorboards,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09'and, well, a room begging for help.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13'Now this is a room to paint in and admire the gorgeous scenery
0:11:13 > 0:11:16'or soak away the daily grind in this beautiful en suite.'
0:11:18 > 0:11:22I tell you what, if the rest of the property is done as lovingly as this, I can't wait to see it.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- Look forward to showing you. - Come on, let's go.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Lovely jubbly.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29When we left, the stairs were made safe
0:11:29 > 0:11:31but they have carried on to finish the hall
0:11:31 > 0:11:34and put their own stamp on the place.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37And there's been another pronounced change here -
0:11:37 > 0:11:39and that's to David himself.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43So with you coming down and getting myself motivated,
0:11:43 > 0:11:44as I work for myself,
0:11:44 > 0:11:48I spent more time at home than with my clients to get the jobs done.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Once I had seen what you'd done, it fired me on to carry on.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55And wait till you see the piece de resistance,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58cos I've saved the best till last.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Remember that garden room and kitchen? Last time I was here,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04it was a culinary catastrophe that made you want to eat out.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Amazing. It's finished. The flooring has been laid.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Now this looks like the work of a real pro
0:12:12 > 0:12:16and the new kitchen-diner is fit for a family feast.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19With luxurious lighting and fantastic knick-knacks,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22this kitchen looks like a real showroom.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26Susan and David can be rightly proud of all their hard work.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28But how did they do it?
0:12:28 > 0:12:30We had so much to do at the point you left and, of course,
0:12:30 > 0:12:33it was at that point we'd let all the traders go as well
0:12:33 > 0:12:37because we had no money left, so, really, this is all down to David.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40I mean, he's had to pick this up and do everything himself.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44But in real terms, what you've done, I have to say,
0:12:44 > 0:12:46puts that builder to shame.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Both Susie and I have done a lot to this house
0:12:48 > 0:12:51that we actually can turn round and say that we did,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54even though Cowboy Trap gave us a direction
0:12:54 > 0:12:55for us to carry on and complete it.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57It's all change outside as well.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Before, the garden was a desolate disaster -
0:13:00 > 0:13:04hardly inspirational for David and Susan's paintings.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Now it's breathtaking.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10They've created a floral wonderland that captures the imagination.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12With mature flowers and plants
0:13:12 > 0:13:16and a meandering path to get lost in, this is the icing on the cake.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Aw, thank you, darling.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Well, it's a bit soggy out here, I'm afraid.- It is.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26'Just my luck, then, that it started pouring.'
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Great garden.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- You did all the planning of it? - Yeah, we did, we did.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33David landscaped it.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- You've done such a fantastic job. - We even put a little pond in.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- Aw, glad you like it. - What's in the pond?
0:13:38 > 0:13:40We've got frogs in here, we've got newts in here.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Hopefully, if the weather brightens up, we'll get some damselflies.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- It's supposed to be a wildlife pond, so no fish.- But I love it.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49I tell you what, you've done yourself proud
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- and I'm glad we've given you that springboard...- You definitely did. - ..to go forward.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Now, do you think these flowers match my eyes?
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- Yeah.- Yeah?- Definitely.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- Ooh, you cheeky monkey. Let's get in out the rain.- Come on, then.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05'It's great to see Susan back on form.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08'Banishing her builder blues has been a real tonic for her
0:14:08 > 0:14:10'and it's given her relationship with David
0:14:10 > 0:14:12'an unexpected twist too.'
0:14:12 > 0:14:18I mean, for David and I now, we've had to work so closely together
0:14:18 > 0:14:21that I think we understand one another a lot better
0:14:21 > 0:14:25and I think it's made us stronger as a couple.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29I think we could take anybody on now - anybody and anything.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32It's wonderful to see Susan so happy
0:14:32 > 0:14:37and the couple's triumph over adversity is a truly inspiring tale.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38You guys have inspired me
0:14:38 > 0:14:42and I'm sure you've inspired lots of people at home who are watching today.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47From the position you were in to where you are now
0:14:47 > 0:14:50is a planet's worth away for me.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52It's just quite amazing.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55And now I think we're much more positive
0:14:55 > 0:14:59and it just sort of proves you can't let these things beat you.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- You've got to carry on.- Listen, good luck with the future.- Thank you.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- I'm so pleased you're much better. - I am.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- All power to your elbow and I hope it improves and improves and improves.- Thank you.- So well done.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16Well, how good was that?
0:15:16 > 0:15:18It's been fantastic to see Susie and David again.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22And what about the amount of work they've got through since I was last here?
0:15:22 > 0:15:25It's been wonderful to know we've inspired them to get on with it.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27I know there's one or two little jobs extra to do
0:15:27 > 0:15:31but if that's anything to go by, the future looks very bright indeed.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Susie and David have learned the hard way how vital it is
0:15:35 > 0:15:38to supervise your building work every step of the way.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42It's a lesson that could have saved our next couple
0:15:42 > 0:15:46from the grim results of employing not one but two cowboy builders.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51I've returned to Leicester,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55a bustling Midlands city with a famous tradition for making hosiery,
0:15:55 > 0:15:59and, of course, a football team that are nicknamed the Foxes.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03And that's appropriate because I'm on the scent of some vermin -
0:16:03 > 0:16:08a pair of cowboy builders whose work was not only bad, it was dangerous.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11It's one thing being ripped off financially,
0:16:11 > 0:16:15but these builders have had no regard for anybody's safety.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18Meet Ash, a funeral director,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21and his partner Donna, who works in childcare.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Between them, the couple have four children from previous relationships.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27So when they moved in together,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31they needed a bit more space than Ash had at his three-bed semi.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33We've got a growing family.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37We were quite fortunate to find love a second time round, the pair of us,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41and we certainly needed a house that was going to be big enough to cater for us as a family.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44This was the second builder Ash had employed.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Some years before, the first built him a double-storey extension.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51But he was a cowboy who walked off the job,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53leaving little more than a shell.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Stung by this experience,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Ash decided to look closer to home for his next builder.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01As luck would have it, a friend knew just the man.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04The agreement was that he would do the knock-through
0:17:04 > 0:17:08from the old part of the house into the new extension,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11create, with a stud wall,
0:17:11 > 0:17:13the extra rooms that we required, the bathroom,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15and then also kit them out.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18That included the plumbing, the electrics,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21it included the tiling. It was a complete job.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24It was a big old project, then, but to begin with,
0:17:24 > 0:17:27things looked like they were going well.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28We started seeing the progress
0:17:28 > 0:17:31and that gave us a little bit more confidence.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34So confident, in fact, that Donna and Ash allowed the builder
0:17:34 > 0:17:36to make himself at home.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Big mistake.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41He would have something to eat with us or if we had leftover food from tea,
0:17:41 > 0:17:43he would take it home.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Yeah, we were treating him like one of the family, really.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Take my advice - it might be tempting,
0:17:49 > 0:17:51but never make your builder feel at home
0:17:51 > 0:17:54because your home is his workplace.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Be sure to maintain a professional relationship at all times.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Remember, your builder isn't your friend
0:18:00 > 0:18:04and if you blur the lines, you will create problems later.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07In Ash and Donna's case,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10it would lead them to take their eye off the ball.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Instead of scrutinising every step of this hefty build,
0:18:13 > 0:18:17they simply put their trust in the builder to pull it off.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19So far, so good. But -
0:18:19 > 0:18:23and as you'll know by now, there's always a but -
0:18:23 > 0:18:27six weeks turned into ten weeks and the job remained unfinished.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Worse still, things were falling apart.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34The boys had just literally gone to bed and we'd said goodnight to them
0:18:34 > 0:18:37and we heard this massive crash and a crack.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39We went into the main bathroom
0:18:39 > 0:18:44and behind the toilet system, there's, like, slate big tiles,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47and one fell off the wall
0:18:47 > 0:18:52straight onto the toilet and cracked the toilet seat and broke the chain.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Whoa, that was too close for comfort.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56I dread to think what could have happened.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59But when I arrived on the scene in 2009,
0:18:59 > 0:19:03I was about to discover a whole heap of dangerous problems.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- Hi, Ash.- Hi.- I'm Clive from Cowboy Trap. How are you?
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Nice to meet you, Clive. I'm well, thank you.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Ash showed me their nightmare bathroom.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14The water was leaking downstairs and we discovered that it was a pipe
0:19:14 > 0:19:17that was bust and it was for this shower in the en suite.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20When I had a good poke around in the bathroom,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22I discovered loads more major problems.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27There were gaps in the plasterboard, the blockwork was a total disgrace,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30and the builder had tried to fix a plumbing error
0:19:30 > 0:19:33with a technique that you will not find on any plumbing course.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35What he'd actually done, there was a hole,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38and he'd bunged it with toilet paper to stop the leak,
0:19:38 > 0:19:40and this was all boarded up.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44Oh, you are having a laugh! Loo paper to stop a leak?
0:19:44 > 0:19:47But this black comedy was about to turn into a horror film
0:19:47 > 0:19:51when our good guys got a very nasty surprise.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54The first builder, the fella who had originally built the extension,
0:19:54 > 0:19:56had left a cowboy calling card.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- Have you seen this? - Look at the size of that.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03I didn't see that earlier on. Was it...?
0:20:03 > 0:20:05It was boarded over, wasn't it?
0:20:05 > 0:20:08We just took the plasterboard off and...
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- Oh, no, I don't like that. - The wall's totally in half.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- It is. And all the way up, virtually, as well.- Yeah.
0:20:14 > 0:20:15In fact, it's all bar one block.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Whatever happens, now that that's been exposed,
0:20:19 > 0:20:21we have to get that checked out.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24'And guess who had to break the bad news to Ash?'
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- Ah, Ash...- Yes, mate?
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Oh, I tell you, I've just been up with the boys in your bathroom.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33They've pulled back the boarding and underneath,
0:20:33 > 0:20:38we found a fairly big crack in the blockwork that I'm concerned about.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Obviously, we can't ignore it now, we've exposed it,
0:20:42 > 0:20:43- we've looked at it.- Yeah.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47I'm slightly concerned about it, but I need a second opinion.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50I hope you don't mind but I'm going to need to call in
0:20:50 > 0:20:53the local building inspector to take a look at it.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56'Calling in a building inspector was a huge deal.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59'These guys had the power to condemn this house.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01'Crossing every finger,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04'I hoped that Ash and Donna wouldn't lose their home.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07'The building inspector took one look at the crack in the bathroom
0:21:07 > 0:21:10'and headed straight for the basement.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13'This pillar on the ground floor sat directly below the bathroom
0:21:13 > 0:21:16'and supported the entire weight of the extension,
0:21:16 > 0:21:18'so if this wasn't kosher,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21'the whole deck of cards could have collapsed at any minute.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25'It was one blow after another for Donna and Ash
0:21:25 > 0:21:28'and the building inspector confirmed their worst fears.'
0:21:28 > 0:21:33Well, as requested, we've had the inspection hole dug right now,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36so I want you to see for yourself.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39There's no way that foundation is deep enough.
0:21:39 > 0:21:40This reveals enough information
0:21:40 > 0:21:45to suggest that, to alleviate this problem, we need to underpin.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48OK, so it's an underpinning job.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Now, underpinning is where we strengthen
0:21:51 > 0:21:54the foundations of a building, and to do this,
0:21:54 > 0:21:59we need to prop up the house with some mighty strong supports.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Now, you know that I'm used to rolling with the punches on Cowboy Trap by now
0:22:03 > 0:22:06and often things can take an unexpected turn for the worse.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09I came here expecting to repair a bodged bathroom.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Little did I know we were going to need to shore up the whole extension
0:22:13 > 0:22:16for fear the thing was going to collapse.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18There was more bad news for Donna and Ash.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22Our electrician had inspected the electrics installed
0:22:22 > 0:22:25by the second cowboy builder and I was shocked by his findings.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28It's not encased in a box to isolate it, it's actually live.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30It's what turns the hallway lights on
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- so they can see when they're going to bed. - There's kids in this property.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36It is unbelievable, anyway.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Cos I've obviously noticed it, I do have to issue a danger notice now
0:22:39 > 0:22:42to say that, obviously, the electrics are unsafe to use
0:22:42 > 0:22:44until they've been inspected and tested.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46The electrics in the extension
0:22:46 > 0:22:50were so bad that the electrician was forced to condemn them.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Donna and Ash paid out 30 grand for a dream extension
0:22:54 > 0:22:57but, instead, they were hung out to dry.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Just feel shocked and numb and, I don't know,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04my stomach feels like a washing machine.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06It just keeps going around.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09I think the more and more they do, I think, "What else are they going to reveal?"
0:23:09 > 0:23:12I think this is where the anger really overflows now
0:23:12 > 0:23:16because it's one thing being ripped off financially
0:23:16 > 0:23:20but these builders have had no regard for anybody's safety.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26It was time to get the good guys in to make safe this building disaster area
0:23:26 > 0:23:29and turn this useless pillar into the stable structure
0:23:29 > 0:23:30it should have been.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35With the help of the good guys, we made the house safe.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- You've saved our lives.- Definitely.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42We'd done our bit - it was now up to Donna and Ash
0:23:42 > 0:23:44to learn from their mistakes
0:23:44 > 0:23:48and finally realise their dream of a perfect home sweet home.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Well, that was then, and this is now.
0:23:53 > 0:23:54It's been three years
0:23:54 > 0:23:57since the last time I saw Donna, Ash and the family.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00But looking at the building from the outside, it looks very different.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03I wonder what's been going on inside?
0:24:03 > 0:24:04I can't wait to find out. Come on.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08DOG BARKS
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Even the dog's barking with excitement.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- CLIVE CHUCKLES - Hello.- How are you?
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- Good to see you. Lovely Donna. - Hello! How are you?
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Whoa, it looks totally different from outside.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27- Let's have a look inside. - Come on in.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Hey, I tell you what, straightaway, that's great, that.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31I'm feeling the love.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33In the extension, Donna and Ash have created
0:24:33 > 0:24:37a welcoming lounge, with feature walls, luxurious fittings
0:24:37 > 0:24:41and a beautiful open kitchen, perfect for all the family.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44But where's that pesky pillar?
0:24:44 > 0:24:46And that in the corner there is the dreaded pillar.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48I was just thinking about the pillar.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51I was trying to get my bearings as to where was that pillar.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- So the actual pillar is...- In that corner, yeah.- Wow.- In that corner.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- It's amazing what you've done. - You haven't seen anything yet.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- Let me show you the rest of the house.- Great, where are we going to start?- Downstairs?
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- Yeah, let's start downstairs. - Come on, then, let's have a look.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05'It's time to see if Donna and Ash
0:25:05 > 0:25:09'really have de-bodged their bungled bathroom.'
0:25:09 > 0:25:10Here we are, then, Clive.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Come and have a look.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Oh, man.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19'What was a place of nightmares has been given some much-needed TLC,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21'with contemporary new fittings and flooring
0:25:21 > 0:25:25'and swanky new tiling that will remain on the walls.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28'This is a dreamer's paradise.'
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Do you remember this?
0:25:30 > 0:25:32I didn't want to look at that wall!
0:25:32 > 0:25:35I remember walking in this bathroom...
0:25:35 > 0:25:39It was frightening, cos I didn't know at that stage what was going to happen.
0:25:39 > 0:25:40Was the building collapsing?
0:25:40 > 0:25:43I mean, looking at it now, it's just incredible.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47It is a cracking - absolutely cracking - bathroom.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49'From crack to cracking.
0:25:49 > 0:25:55'I can't believe how far this couple have come. So what's their secret?'
0:25:55 > 0:25:59You've taught us a lot, really. We had lots and lots of quotes.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03I mean, I felt sorry for the guys who actually took on the work,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05because, I mean, we were, like, bullying them,
0:26:05 > 0:26:07actually on top of them all the time,
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- and, yeah, we knew what to look out for.- Yeah.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14'What a transformation. And this time, I don't mean the house.
0:26:14 > 0:26:19'Remember, like the Bassetts, Donna and Ash's problems started
0:26:19 > 0:26:21'when they failed to keep tabs on their builder.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26'But now they've turned into a right pair of pernickety project managers.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28'And I love it.'
0:26:28 > 0:26:33I remember very distinctly one of your quotes that you said,
0:26:33 > 0:26:35which now I quote to friends and family and people,
0:26:35 > 0:26:40and you said that builders are not your friends,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43your home is their workplace.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46We've learnt from you, Clive, how to vet builders.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49We got these guys on recommendations from friends.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51We went to see the work first.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- Well done, you two.- We've listened!
0:26:54 > 0:26:55Blimey.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- We've listened.- Amazing.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01'I tell you what, though, this home really does have Donna's stamp all over it.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03'Most people take on my hints and tips
0:27:03 > 0:27:06'on how to avoid hiring a cowboy builder
0:27:06 > 0:27:11'but our good guys have taught Donna how to avoid having to hire a builder at all.'
0:27:11 > 0:27:15When it came to, like, internally, these guys were absolutely fantastic.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18I don't mind getting my hands dirty, and, to save money,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21they showed me how to lay the wooden floors. So I laid the floors.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24They actually left me the tools so I could do the floor.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- Guess what I bought her for her birthday?- Oh, here we go.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32- Chop saw.- I've learned a right few tricks, I have.
0:27:32 > 0:27:37Move over, good guys, I think Donna has her eye on your job!
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Now we've got a beautiful family home.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42There's four kids and Donna and I,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45and now we have six bedrooms and three bathrooms,
0:27:45 > 0:27:46so it's more than adequate.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- Wow.- I'm not moving anywhere. - Definitely not.- We're not moving.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54Asked us three years ago and we might have thought about it, but, no, not now. That's it now.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58I'm a bit scared that the kids might not move out now!
0:28:00 > 0:28:03It's been wonderful catching up with Donna and Ash again
0:28:03 > 0:28:07and seeing just how they've bounced back out of the Cowboy Trap.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Their home looks amazing, and it's also great to know
0:28:10 > 0:28:13that the cowboy builders haven't won this time,
0:28:13 > 0:28:14not by a long chalk.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd