A Leeds family is trapped in a structurally unsafe home after a builder abandoned the project, leaving them £95k out of pocket and the house on temporary stilts
Family Claims Builder Left Them in Dangerous Home
A family claims a builder has left them trapped in a dangerous house, £95,000 out of pocket, with their home standing over a pit.
Ryan, 37, says what was meant to be a dream renovation for his growing family has left them with a house so dangerous that other builders refuse to step inside.
Their garden was allegedly destroyed, and their basement turned into a ‘pit’.
Details of the Situation
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ryan’s Age | 37 |
| Location | Leeds, West Yorkshire |
| Family Members | Wife and two children (2.5 years old and newborn) |
| Amount Paid | £95,000 |
| Builder’s Age | 54 |
| Builder’s Company | Pinnacle Builders Ltd |
Ryan lives in a three-bedroom semi-detached home in Leeds with his wife and two children. He said the builder has since gone bankrupt, abandoned the job, and left them “trapped” in a dangerous home they cannot afford to fix or sell.
To make matters worse, Ryan alleges that the builder later sent him a message threatening the safety of his family.
Builder’s Response
The builder in question told The Sun he “did not abandon” the project and that the site was “left safe.” He claims he was required to cease trading due to bankruptcy proceedings.
He added it was an “extremely unfortunate situation” and that the work was plagued by “exceptional and unforeseen challenges” throughout.
Renovation Plans
The family hired the builder in summer 2024 to dig out their basement, add a side extension, and landscape the garden. Ryan said, “We were doing all this work so that we can stay here for as long as possible.”
Instead, he says they were left with a gaping hole beneath the house and the entire structure resting on temporary props.
“The house is held up on props. The garden is completely destroyed and the basement itself is just a pit,” he said.
Health and Safety Concerns
Ryan added that the underside of the house is completely exposed, letting in freezing air and vermin. “We’ve had mice in the house because of this,” he said.
“It’s left us out of pocket, a structurally unsafe home, and my wife and children in danger.”
Builder’s Inspection
Graham Nash, 54, a Leeds-based builder who runs Pinnacle Builders Ltd, says he helps those ripped off by “cowboy builders” and visited the property after Ryan reached out.
Ryan claims the entire house is currently resting on temporary stilts. Graham said he was “actually physically scared to go inside the building.”
Threatening Messages
The situation escalated in December when Graham posted videos on social media about the work quality. Ryan claims he received a disturbing message from the builder, warning him to stop or “wake up with no props” under the house.
“He said if I carried on, I’d wake up with no props in my basement,” Ryan said.
He rushed home to tell his wife, who was holding their newborn child. “She was understandably terrified,” Ryan added.
Ryan immediately contacted the police, who are now investigating the matter.
Contractual Issues
Ryan said his ordeal began in July 2024 when work first started. “At the beginning, everything was going at a rate of knots,” he said.
He said they had agreed on a contract price and made payments as requested, trusting the builder to deliver.
However, by 2025, Ryan claimed deadlines started to slip, and the builder’s promises became unrealistic.
Builder’s Claims
The builder claims “unforeseen” ground conditions, regulatory changes, and cash-flow issues severely impacted progress. He said the clients were fully aware of these issues.
Ryan also claimed he was asked for an extra £27,000 after misquoting on materials, which the builder disputes.
Bankruptcy Filing
By October 2025, the builder was forced to file for bankruptcy, and all work stopped. Ryan said, “I can’t remember the last time we saw him on site.”
He added the builder is now listed on the insolvency register, leaving the family tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket.
Finding Help
With the work incomplete, Ryan contacted multiple other traders, but no one was willing to take on the job. “They don’t want to take on other people’s part-done structural work,” he said.
He added the ordeal has taken a heavy toll on his family, especially on his wife during pregnancy and after giving birth.
Financial Strain
Ryan said the situation has left them “really exposed” financially. “If something goes wrong like the boiler needs replacing, where do we find that money?” he asked.
Ryan added, “We can’t move from here because no one would buy this. We’re trapped by it.”
Builder’s Final Statement
The builder said, “The clients had full visibility of the financial position.” He added that the original contract price was £95,000, which was a discounted figure.
He claimed any competent contractor would have encountered unforeseen conditions and incurred additional costs well over £30,000.
Ryan said the prevailing opinion is that the work is “not unsalvageable.”
“The builder has gone bankrupt, which happens, but threatening us when his work has been called into question is unacceptable,” Ryan said.
