ANGRY homeowner Caroline Eaton has reported a nightmare builder to Trading Standards after she said he left her conservatory half-built and her home without central heating, having already been paid more than £50,000.

Ms Eaton, a single mum of Kington Langley, said she and her 17-year-old son have been left in a ‘precarious position’ by the builder, after he allegedly refused to finish the work on the extension and renovation work in their home which started in May.

The 52-year-old said he quoted her £63,000 for three months work, which would include the conservatory, as well as central heating and a bathroom.

She said reported the man to Trading Standards last month.

“I was recommended a builder who gave me a reasonable quote but no plan of works,” she said, admitting she paid him £51,000 in cash.

She said the builder has now refused to finish the job until he gets more money.

Ms Eaton added: “He has left me with no windows or doors in the extension and only a sheet of tarpaulin between me and the outside world and a mess everywhere.

“I have no central heating either as that was part of the work he was supposed to do.

“The weather is changing and he has left me and my son in a precarious position. Trading Standards have been notified.”

Ms Eaton said she had been desperate to get the extension completed by Christmas to abide by the stipulations imposed when the planning application was passed.

“I don’t want him to do this to anybody else,” she said.

“I looked for him online before I started and could find nothing so I would like him to have a footprint, so others can be spared my nightmare.”

Andy Hermiston, head of Gloucestershire Trading Standards, said: “We are unable to give details out about any investigation or complaints we receive about a trader.

“We would encourage people to take steps to protect themselves when paying for any service. Where possible go by recommendation or ask to speak to previous customers, make sure you are clear about the final price and ask for a full written quotation detailing the work to be done."

“Finally you can arrange to make staged payments as the work is carried out, rather than paying up front.

“If anyone has any concerns about services provided or wishes to report a trader, they can contact the team via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.

“Alternatively they can use the anonymous 'Report a Rogue' page at glos.tradingstandards.uk.”