While the owner of a half-million-dollar home was on vacation, a builder became angry about a money dispute and demolished the home. The house now has no roof and the yard is full of debris. The owner refused to pay the builder approximately $5,000 for eco-friendly upgrades. They reported his house in Stoneygate, Leicester, United Kingdom, worth four hundred and seventy-five thousand British pounds to the police. However, the police have stated that no crime has been committed.
Kay Jurji, a 40-year-old homeowner, states that he had a disagreement with the builder over a bill of just 3,500 British pounds.
“I bought the house last year. The builder started in February, and we wanted lots of work done so it could become our family home for six of us,” the owner stated. “We wanted a two-story extension, a new roof, new wiring, and for it to be more environmentally friendly. It’s a nightmare. Unfortunately, I picked the worst builder.”
Jur reported to the police after the builder demolished his house. However, the police refused to intervene, stating that it was a matter of civil law rather than criminal law. They advised Jurji to report his case to the Trading Standards.
Jurji was shocked to see that the builder had used a digger to destroy a significant portion of his house. The neighbors were also dismayed that such an incident was happening in their community. The builder sought revenge against the homeowner for an unpaid portion of the bill, leaving the observers in disbelief.
One person said: “There was scaffolding on the house, and when it was taken down, I did think the work might be done already, and the owners might be moving in. I was stunned when I walked past the house last week and saw that the roof had been ripped off and the new extension was just a hole in the front of the house. I feel bad for the owners. They must be absolutely gutted.”
The property was attacked by the builder while the owner was away.
“I had gone on holiday and was 200 miles when it all happened on Tuesday. I’ve contacted the police, who said it was a dispute and not a criminal case, and I’ve emailed Trading Standards. I’m still on holiday, so it’s difficult to sort out from here.”
According to one neighbor who spoke to LeicestershireLive, the builder not only caused damage to Jurji’s home but also left the street in a messy condition.
“The work had been going on, and there was scaffolding up, and it all had planning permission. Then people noticed the builders starting to remove things and demolish the work that had been done.”
Should the builder face criminal charges in your opinion?
