What happened

A mid-build dispute led the builder to walk off site. Several non-compliant items remained — missing lintels, incomplete fire-stopping, an unfinished drainage connection.

How it was discovered

Building Control's next scheduled visit found the items uncorrected. The site was effectively abandoned. The homeowner received the enforcement letter.

The consequences

A new builder appointed to complete remedial works. Independent oversight throughout. Completion Certificate eventually issued. Significant cost and six months of additional time.

What homeowners can learn

The legal duty is yours. A builder walking off does not transfer the enforcement risk to anyone else.