A WOMAN has spoken of her nightmare fighting to claw money back from an extension gone wrong.

Louisa Benton, from Laverstock, is now warning others of the pitfalls of entering into home building work after her “dream” £110k home extension turned into a stressful nightmare.

The 34-year-old and her husband Edward spoke to the Journal after they were awarded more than £10k in a small claims court.

The pair hired Jamie Smith's company JAC Building Developments in summer 2022 to build a vertical extension to their garage and rear extension with a new kitchen to their house.

The company was advertised online and Mrs Benton said she was "sold the dream" by the Bishopdown-based builder.

However the poor workmanship resulted in a year of stress for the couple, who have lived in Church Road, Laverstock, since 2019.

Salisbury Journal: Louisa Benton said the problems have massively impacted her mental health.Louisa Benton said the problems have massively impacted her mental health. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Salisbury Journal: Louisa Benton's kitchen ceiling was banana-shaped.Louisa Benton's kitchen ceiling was banana-shaped. (Image: Louisa Benton)

Work began on August 1, 2022, after Mrs Benton paid £40k up-front, £10k of which was cash, but she said red flags appeared in September when the pair came back from a break and discovered work which was not up to what they expected.

Mrs Benton said: "We felt that corners were being cut.”

Mould started growing inside the new upstairs bedroom a few months in, as the walls had been plastered before the roof was fitted and sealed. The ceiling eventually had to be knocked down and replaced to prevent mould from spreading further.

The couple hired KP Structural Consultants on February 11 to inspect the work after building control raised alarm bells. Their report confirmed the ridge timber had not been installed as specified. A prop had been installed to support the roof and remedial works were required.

Salisbury Journal: Mould in Louisa's bedroom before the roof was replaced.Mould in Louisa's bedroom before the roof was replaced. (Image: Louisa Benton)

The total cost of the build was £110k, £50k was paid in cash, but the couple had to pay an extra £20k to supply parts for the kitchen and have been quoted a further £40k on remedial works.

In an email seen by the Journal, Mr Smith accepted full responsibility for the "poor workmanship" and offered further apologies for not completing the work, which was due to be finished in November, on February 28.

Mrs Benton asked for a full refund of £100k and in an email to Mrs Benton, Mr Smith said he 'totally understood' but explained his company JAC Building Developments Limited did not have enough money to pay.

Salisbury Journal: Jamie Smith has applied to dissolve JAC Building Developments. Jamie Smith has applied to dissolve JAC Building Developments. (Image: Facebook)

Mrs Benton contacted Citizens Advice and Trading Standards after Mr Smith offered a £5k refund in response to her threat of taking legal action. They advised her to take the case to small claims court. 

She went on to win a county court claim of £10,498.84 plus £455 for costs on May 21, the maximum small claim amount possible.

However, months on, she said she felt the need to speak out as she has not seen a penny of the money.

She was also upset to see the company JAC cease trading and Mr Smith opened a new company under the name A&H Smith Projects.

Mrs Benton said: "This is no justice. We feel that they need to be held accountable. We're still left out of pocket searching for money to sort our home out."

Salisbury Journal: A plastic bag was stuffed into a hole in Louisa Benton's kitchen.A plastic bag was stuffed into a hole in Louisa Benton's kitchen. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

A lifetime's worth of savings and two personal loans were used to pay for the work, which has had an "absolutely horrific" impact on the couple's mental health.

Mrs Benton said: "We bought a house to get married and start a family with nice schools nearby.

"My husband doesn’t want to come home because he hates seeing it. It's heartbreaking and Jamie’s gross errors are staring us in the face every day."

Salisbury Journal: Part of the porch was left exposed.Part of the porch was left exposed. (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Benton has issued a warning to other people so they don't "fall foul". She advises always checking previous work carried out by a tradesperson, despite what is advertised online and on social media.

Jamie Smith called the Journal but refused to answer any questions and his solicitor said he would not be making a comment on the result of the court case.