In Langdon Hills, Essex, Rob and Lucy Davies found themselves in an unexpected nightmare after hiring builder Steve Figg for a home extension. They envisioned a beautiful rear extension featuring a kitchen and an open-plan living area. Instead, they faced chaos—an unfinished project that left their home looking like “a bomb site,” as Rob described it.
The situation took a turn when Basildon Council’s building control team halted the construction just two months in due to multiple breaches of building regulations. Figg, who had received £44,000 from the Davies for the work, pleaded guilty to 22 violations. The couple soon realized they needed to spend an additional £28,000 to secure their property after the work was stopped.
Rob shared his frustration: “It was a complete nightmare… It tested our marriage hugely.” The unfinished work left parts of their home exposed and at risk of collapse. They never anticipated that their quest for a simple home extension would lead to such dire consequences.
Things escalated further when Figg reported the couple to police, alleging harassment and claiming he wanted to kill them. This led to Rob and Lucy being held in police custody for 22 hours. Despite the turmoil, they found strength in each other during this ordeal.
Ultimately, the court ordered Figg to pay £85,000 to the Davies for the damage caused. He received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and must wear an electronically monitored tag for six months. In his defense, Figg stated, “I’m not a liar; I’m not a conman. I made mistakes and I am sorry.” His words may not ease the pain felt by the Davies.
This case highlights the risks homeowners face when construction projects go wrong. The repeated non-compliance by Figg left a family dealing with what authorities described as an unsafe property. As local officials noted, “The problem was not just delay or poor workmanship; it was serious violations that endangered lives.”
Looking ahead, observers are concerned about how such disputes will affect homeowner rights and safety standards in Essex. With construction disputes on the rise, many are calling for stricter enforcement of building regulations to protect families like the Davies from similar fates.
