This is not something I ever anticipated having to do. Before you read on I totally agree with those who will say there are worse things that could happen, however all I ask is you put yourself and family in my position whilst reading this. I am financially responsible for 4 of us my mother and 2 children. I work and through no fault of my own am on the verge of losing my home weeks before Christmas.

Like most appeals there is a story behind the plea, I will give you the facts and truth and hope that there is still decent people out there.

In 2013 my stepdad was diagnosed with terminal cancer following a routine appointment for a shingles jab. He passed away within 7 weeks of being diagnosed.

A decision needed to be made regarding my mum , who herself suffers from ill health and was left with no financial stability . We decided for me to move in with her, the house could be extended to accommodate us all.

I knew a builder, with whom I had been friends with for a few years. A mortgage was obtained and I instructed the builder for £30,000 to carry out a loft conversion. I believed my choice was the 'safe bet' being someone I knew and trusted, this is my only defence in the whole situation I trusted someone in a professional capacity and in friendship.

I was told just prior to work commencing that due to timescales it was 'too late' to obtain building regulations. I was assured all work would be to this standard and I could obtain the building regulations after completion of the work. I had no reason to doubt the work whilst it was being carried out fire door/ alarms etc where fitted. Ceilings lowered fire boarded all to which I was advised was to comply. Unfortunately It hid a multitude of faults!

In January 2015 some 4/6 weeks after building work finished I contacted the council for building regulations. I was informed it was not as simple with the work being completed as I was led to believe. I was advised to obtain either a surveyors or structural engineers report.

4 reports later 1 being an expert report and some years later it has been established none of the work complies or is to the standard of any reasonable builder.

From inadequate floor support which has already started to sag ,down to poor insulation and incorrect stairs are to list a few of the many problems.

Remedial and expert quotes were obtained and advised to rectify the work it would cost between £28,500 -£32,000.

Since the situation became evident all attempts to have the work remedied have failed. I appreciate there are 2 sides to a story all I want to make clear are the facts- had the builder had adequate knowledge and skill I would not be in this position now. Before you can take someone to court there is a process to follow, mediation, the opportunity for the builder to rectify work etc. The builder was in denial for the first 6 months regarding the standard of work even advising I take his word over surveyors.

I did everything requested of me usually at extra cost to myself.

On request of the builder and his legal representative, I obtained expert reports from impartial parties to the cost of £1000 to which the builder and his legal representative never responded to, although they had requested these. This happened frequently.

No offer was ever made by the builder to claim via his liability insurance which his website at the time advised to have.

Just over two weeks ago I attended court. I won! Almost three years of stress and worry I believed was finally over and justice had been served! I was awarded over £26,000 plus my legal fees to be paid . The fees I was liable for was 20% of my award. The court gave 14 days for payment. Nothing was indicated by the builder or his barrister on the day that this would not happen or indeed in the 14 days given. I am now aware I will not be receiving the money with no explanation or offer given. Because the company is limited there is nothing I can do! The builders reality is although a court of law have ordered he pay he will not be doing so, he will continue to live in his nice home, drive nice cars and enjoy nice holidays. My reality is I live with 6 acrow props in various rooms of my home , with holes in ceilings and floorboards 'up'.I have inadequate insulation which not only makes my bedroom unbearable in winter but also increases my heating bills. My home insurance is void. I am now in substantial debt and no idea where we will be living because I trusted someone.

I have already exhausted all avenues, I already have a loan which has helped in part fund some of the legal battle to date.I have never asked for anything like this before, and this has not been an easy choice .I am unable to take money out against the home due to the current state of the conversion. Those who know me know I do not like to borrow or beg, however I have learnt desperation and fear do not allow you to be proud!

I am asking friends, friends of friends can anyone help rectify the work? Whether providing materials, time, expertise or advice I am begging you. I have engineer reports which confirm what needs to be changed .You would make such a difference . You could secure my families happiness , and help make the right thing happen. We need this house to become a home again. It has not felt that way for a very long time. My family should not be in this predicament because of my poor choices! I am not ready to give up can you help us please ?

*Friends please I have specifically NOT named names please follow and respect this, it will not achieve anything this is a 'plea' for help from someone in a desperate situation.

*Anyone who comments something with no relevance it will be removed therefore please save your time and refrain from commenting. Thank you

*For anyone who obviously does not know me and still feels there are 2 sides to a story all I simply will say is my home is my proof and a court of law determined the truth.

Thank you to everyone who read this and even if you can not help, please bear this in mind to prevent this ever happening to anyone else. If you can, please share.

Thank you xx