The worse Cowboy Builder job I’ve ever seen!

[@mikem4138]

"Basicall" try a thesaurus

[@darrenthebuilder]

Try getting a life and try learning to spell

[@rogerwilliams2902]

You werent the original builder by any chance ?.

[@ExtremeShez]

​@@rogerwilliams2902 LOL

[@MatthewXLY]

Fair play to him for not coming back and editing the comment, though. 😆

[@HAL9000.]

@@rogerwilliams2902 In English, there's no space at the end of a sentence and before a question mark. And definitely no full stop after a question mark. Plus, you've missed an apostrophe - "You werent the original builder by any chance ?."

[@martinjeffery3590]

Im a civil engineer and can honestly say ive never seen such a mess, good luck with putting that right .Also well done for highlighting this type of work,we need to drive out these cowboys from the industry ,so that good workmen like yourself can build with confidence

[@NMA_NoMoreAmmo]

every second private building project is like that. You must work on commercial/governmental projects only.

[@richarddavey7884]

99% of builders wouldn't touch this job. Kudos to you Darren for stepping up and I hope you pull it off without anyone getting hurt. Certainly on the face of it, it's a total nightmare but if the structural engineers and architects have come up with a plan as to how to rectify it without losing the whole house you should be good. I'd do it but it's a materials plus job, couldnt price it, just be plucking numbers out of the air as they flew by. Good luck fella.

[@SBIGDTSM]

You’re right, 10 years ago I might have taken it on, not now, it’s definitely one to keep you awake at night.

[@dazuk1969]

I agree, this is an absolute nightmare. Not one thing has been done properly. Putting right other peoples work is one thing, but this is next level stuff. I also agree about pricing, where would you even start ?. I wish Darren luck, I have a feeling he will need it.

[@schrodingerscat1863]

At least they have realised pretty much the whole thing needs to be pulled down and started again, anything else would be a disaster waiting to happen. Biggest problem is the structural damage to the original walls, that is going to be tough to put right.

[@dazuk1969]

@@schrodingerscat1863 I agree with that, the whole lot needs to come down and start again. The thing that would worry me is there are already structural issues going on because of this terrible work. If they couldn't even get standard brickwork right that you can see...can you imagine what they will find as they start taking it apart ?. This a a it will cost what it will cost job...and I still wouldn't take it on.

[@schrodingerscat1863]

@@dazuk1969 Would have to cost it up as ongoing project time and materials or cost each milestone depending on what you find. Doing a job like that fixed cost would be kind of suicidal.

[@reggiedixon2]

These "builders" need to be prosecuted and stopped from being able to do this again. Edit it is sobering that the entire house is being held up by Acrow props. I looked up the maximum load of a single Acrow, it is an impressive 4300 Kg. Be very careful Darren.

[@mrboyban]

Prosecute? You must be joking! Save yourself that time. Cowboys up and down the country deliberately do a quick job and walk out(there is no quick job when building a house, at the least if you do it right), in many cases they walk away with your deposit without even do any work and that is the end of it. They know that in the worse scenario if you take them to court, the "judge" will decide in their favour. It is a disgrace basically.

[@Johnconno]

Akro.

[@reggiedixon2]

@@Johnconno That is not how it is spelled in UK anyhow

[@JamesLWilliams-k9x]

Everyone's scared of pikeys !

[@Johnnymagnet92]

​@@mrboybanCan't see why a judge would rule in the cowboys favour??

[@w4xx638]

I absolutely love your video's man. I'm just an amateur diy enthusiast but I love your work ethic and professionalism. Im making my way through your back catalogue at the min and am looking forward to this series. Got your work cut out here 👊

[@y.lelivelt2619]

I feel so sorry for the costumer. I hope they had a good insurance and help to come out of this nightmare. The " builder" should pay for this. This is a massive job Darren.

[@normanboyes4983]

Buildings insurance will not cover this. Any hope of an insurance claim would be via the builders indemnity insurance - which they probably did not have. Last resort is to law which will cost ££££, the builder will have no assets and you will get nothing.

[@fasthracing]

Insurance against what?

[@Robert-cu9bm]

@@normanboyes4983 You pursue the builders insurance.

[@normanboyes4983]

@@Robert-cu9bm So you think an incompetent builder who does not register the works with building control is going to be paying an liability insurance premium? Even if the builder had insurance do you really believe an insurance company would pay up for a job that was not registered with building control?

[@Robbedem]

It's indeed real bad for the customer, but it also seems to me like the customer didn't really have a good plan in advance of what he/she wanted?

[@Lord-Brett-Sinclair]

Looks like nothing but nasty surprises . You are a good man to take this on.

[@muppit666]

With nearly 50 years in construction, I can honestly say that’s the worst bodge job on a house I’ve ever seen. I’d definitely have walked away from that one. You’re a braver man than me. Just make sure the clients got the money to pay you. Good luck. 👊🤘😎

[@robbeales5516]

Same with me 100%

[@jruk1981]

Heart breaking to see this but I have no doubt the home owners know they are in safe hands now.! This should make Fantastic content and look forward to the following this progress

[@ryanmercer7804]

I bought a 1930s house in 2019 and had a few cowboys in for various bits of work. Found a great builder and will always use him now.

[@steve45678]

Looks like a mammoth job to rectify this disaster.

[@EdithWeston]

Brave man to take this job on Darren, Kudos to you and the team, it'll be a good set of videos to see demo to completion, looking forward to this one.

[@grahamgraham4263]

That cowboy builder needs to be named and shamed. If the courts can’t realistically do anything to stop this, then social media needs to expose them.

[@markrichardson5295]

At least it looks like a new mixer you might get with the job

[@JayG2K]

ha ha

[@richbrown8174]

Possibly rented

[@highdownmartin]

Every cloud…

[@russnunn2456]

Great positivity from a terible situation 👍

[@dtek1832]

Love the behind the scenes action - explained amazingly. Thanks

[@JK-tr2mt]

Gosh, I think you'll have to be very careful as it looks like those cracks may open up further and parts may start falling! Insurance for the owner and yourselves, hard hats, reinforced boots, the full pp gear a must. It will be interesting to see how you'll support the upper floors of the house while knocking out the downstairs extension. What a massive job. Looks like it's going to cost a bomb (excuse the irony!).

[@leewakefield8658]

A huge number of acrow props, needles (basically big chunky bits of wood or steel through the wall above the existing steels) and possibly scaffolding to brace together the forest of acrow props.

[@markrussell4282]

This is the first video of yours I have seen but within 10 minutes of watching you can just tell you fully know exactly what you are talking about. New follower here!

[@darrenthebuilder]

Welcome on board 😊

[@albybloke2289]

Same for me, just subbed, looking forward to seeing the transformation and hopefully happy smiles on the clients faces.

[@oktfg]

Those masonry pillars holding that steel are scary. Kudos for stepping in and potentially saving the client’s property. Serious risk of spontaneous collapse the way those cowboys left it.

[@edwardlees2992]

Your a brave man to take that on. I’m an ex brickie and don’t think in all my 50+ years I’ve ever seen such bad workmanship. Good luck you’ll need it.

[@makenny1433]

Darren keep away, this job is going to be a nightmare😢😢

[@sayeedsayeed8720]

Agreed!

[@makenny1433]

But the hidden damage we don't see can be costly to builders, can be a drain on finances.

[@charlieehstephenson4893]

He already stated he knows how bad it is but knows the person and they know how bad and big a job this is I’m sure he wouldn’t touch this with a barge pole unless he knows they have the funds and he’s definitely covering his back let’s be realistic it’s all coming down and starting from scratch no repair no fixing starting from scratch I’m stunned these people could’ve been killed they could’ve left the site the family could’ve gone to bed and the house could’ve collapsed this is wild maybe inspectors need to come out more frequently like at the start of builds for all foundation to check off so things like this can’t even start I know it would be a pain but having someone to tuck off the foundation then the walls etc so if works that bad it can be halted before it’s even begun should genuinely be optional and pay extra for that service

[@makenny1433]

The owners should report them to the TV show Cowboy Builders. Don Littlewood may turn up. I am surprised that some clients are nieve and don't do their research before committing thousands of pounds and safety of themselves. Lucky you're there now Darren.

[@aldep6159]

Get paid in installments! Daily ones! Feel for the owner, horrible scum bags

[@tauntonlad]

Fair play Darren taking that on, I had a similar story of having a cow boy builder not to the extent of this. I know your going to make a fantastic job of this and bring the owners some joy after the hell they have gone through.

[@tacticaldelusion]

Thanks for being good at your trade and honest enough to highlight bad work to everyone, I hope you managed to fix this for the owners.

[@celticminstrel8252]

50 years in the trade (Bricklayer) I've never seen work that bad, you've got bigger balls than I have if you take that on, good luck to you, brother.

[@davedyson4730]

Someone mentioned how did it get this far with the building inspector. My thoughts are there never was one and it’s possible it’s the person who owns it has something to do with the work. I’ve seen it many times where the owner knows it all and doesn’t want to pay a builder. I have one who lives opposite me who took it upon himself to build his own extension and another who built one without footings and he lives two doors away from me. There was never a builder involved in this and there was never a building inspector.

[@tonydalton6756]

The person who did this should be put in prison.

[@johnburrows9558]

Get supports temporarily welded in place on that steel holding the exterior wall up,I wouldn't trust acrows for an extended period of time

[@asummers2729]

Mate. You’re a good man for taking the job on. Obviously helping out someone in need!

[@Alexnse10]

WOW😳 just WOW , your a brave man to take this on, good luck and keep us updated

[@brianlouishaddock4551]

Where was the building inspector, the last time I built an extension, or a house , everything was ticketed stage by stage, if it was my house I would be at the town hall demanding to know how my house was allowed to get in to this state, it looks like the traveler builder,or foreign workers that build crap at home and try to get away with it near. That is a death trap weighting to happen. It is a pity they got away with it, they needed to be charged with unplanned murder. I

[@xrpxlmxdcflatearth1099]

This looks like $100,000 + job. Were the owners able to recoup their lost money? This is a major nightmare and will cost twice.

[@purrosleukos253]

Your a brave man that’s some job you are taking on, and it truly is one of the worst I’ve seen they should be locked up. These people have no idea of the impact they have on people’s lives, horrendous. Hope it goes well for you and well done for highlighting and making people aware of what can happen. Best of luck and I hope you are blessed with the good karma you deserve.❤

[@martindawe9571]

They should have built the side next to the neighbours in brickwork overhand rather than using blocks and just pointed it as they went

[@davec1704]

Wow that is appalling im no builder but just basic stuff there could not get right ,poor family been left to live like that,Hats of to you for trying to help them,

[@chrisardern4594]

I hope you have taken advice from a architect and structural engineer that would be my first call. My second would be to my insurance company to see if your covered for this job. My third would be to my travel agent only kidding about the travel agent. Its unfortunate that you cant name and shame the original crew ( I am not calling them builders ). Good luck.

[@albertoaf5301]

Great can-do-attitude from a saviour. I am not in the building game, but if I was, I would brush up on relevant Health and Saftey on this one and run all major intentions with regards to props and strong boys with both Structural Engineer and Building Control. Also, please make sure you get the team hard hats and steel toe cap boots! Good luck and I look forwards to your excellent documentation / progress. Take good care.

[@Johnconno]

😂!🤕!

[@mickymcl8359]

Worked on site on a Listed house built in the 1600s in Harrow, London. The original Underpinner decided to speed up the job by excavating around the Bay Windows in one hit and the contractor having realised their mistake then tried to acrow it straight on top of the clay, to stop it from sinking. The Brickies on the site said they were having the morning break when they heard a horrendous cracking sound and then both of the Bays collapsed top to bottom and had to be completely rebuilt. Good luck with that one, looks a total mess and how did the original contractor get away with it? I'll wager they were cheaper than any of the other quotes.

[@nobodydoesithalfasgoodasyou]

"Absolutely shocking"

[@vamboroolz1612]

I have been a joiner for 40 years,( including apprenticeship). In that time, this is the worst extension I have ever seen. I agree that its best to rip it all down as nothing looks like it will have been done correctly so no choice but a complete rip out. Diabolical ‘workmanship’.

[@SloopyDog]

You must have a heart like a lion taking on this job. There are so many bad builders now and I have had more than my share of them. I renovate properties and find it hard to find skilled builders.

[@JohnGodwin]

Jesus. This walkthrough is giving me anxiety. Love this channel, by the way, KZbin coming through with a decent recommendation for once.

[@williamsharp7224]

Yes you are correct worse bodge up you will ever see unbelievable to see with your eyes can be put right but needs loads of money thrown at it walk away life is to sort

[@LawnRight]

Im not a builder but this is shocking, and sadly a very expensive experience for the customer. I cant believe firms actually get away with this sort of stuff.. well done for taking it on

[@savetommyrobinsonfreespeec7660]

Get the money upfront! I wish you all the luck in the world 🙏🏼 I’ve seen your work and I’m sure you and your team can pull it off!

[@brianhewitt8618]

Looks like the downstairs render is the only thing keeping all together

[@nickfraser1259]

How'd it get so far with no BR inspections?

[@Adam-ui3ot]

That's what I was thinking. I bet they blagged it on a building notice and never called the inspector. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Horrific.

[@leewakefield8658]

I suspect the homeowner was simply not aware of how building control works.

[@SScc14105]

@@Adam-ui3ot agree 100%

[@oldboyuk]

Wow. Def be careful in there mate. Well done for taking this in. Agree the whole site needs clearing and dismantle/remove anything you can (non-structural). Having a clean slate should make it more manageable. Keep us posted

[@flyingturnip1]

It's going to be a very satisfying day when all that is fixed up and complete! Fair play for taking it on! I can't understand how some people can work with absolutely no pride in what they're doing, what an omni-shambles. Good luck with the works!

[@marcusbennett9381]

Quite some project to be taking on! I work as an architect and surveyor so I've seen some terrible cowboy jobs over the years, but this one is right up there! If I was the client I might have been tempted to sort out as part of a Party Wall Agreement to close the wall and roof up between this extension and the neighbours - long term it would probably be best for all parties as nobody is ever going to be able to do any maintenance work in the small gap that's been left between the extensions. Best of luck if you do take it on 🤞🏻

[@blackirontarkus3997]

This is depressingly bad, good luck with this one chief

[@Wheels-Wheels-Wheels]

Interesting and well produced video, and thank you for taking the time to explain why something is not correct.

[@davidsmith-xr2bl]

Seem like the customer went for a cheap quote and now paying double the price😂😂

[@paulinmazurek2769]

The client is very lucky you are taking this project on what an absolute mess .

[@peteredwards338]

The home owner must be in despair. The house is virtually worthless at the moment.

[@pipswann5063]

It appears to be a diy disaster. I’ve retired now and looking back over 50 years I can honestly say that I’ve never witnessed anything so consistently bad throughout so many different “trades”. No builder would either attempt or be allowed to continue with no apparent standards of workmanship as has occurred here. I suppose there are two ways of looking at considering getting involved: are you going to be paid properly for what we know is the worst type of building work and secondly on the bright side it’s not going to be difficult to show massive improvements in every aspect. The very best of luck to you, fortune favours the brave.

[@evildiesel7850]

I can't believe you took it on mate - at least the client realises it all has to go. I do new builds as a developer but situations like this give everyone a bad name. Makes me really cross tbh.

[@robertevans9897]

It's brilliant how people manage to screw things up so bad and continue building. I ve been building 45 years and that's a beauty 😅

[@LR52VUU]

This will require a structural engineer report and a detailed plan of works. Without it, you're putting yourself and your team in a very dangerous situation.

[@darrenthebuilder]

Its been done already

[@shanicarter7637]

@@darrenthebuilder Thank goodness!

[@KeithDonegan]

Unbelievable. As many have already said - stay away, the headaches will be crazy 😢

[@timhibbart5827]

Look good on your port folio hard to price though. Working with BRregs at council could've stopped it earlier like you've said before 👍

[@JanasZoro]

As architect i have never seen something like that in all my life.. hope the owner can have a relief now.

[@manayconstruction5861]

Always good to have a 'small' challenge at work sir. Would you be able to crush the demolished masonery and re cycle it on site? Whenever we have had to install large steels, we engage the services of a structural engineer to design the temporary works, then we hire and install what they design. Sun Belt formerly A Plant are our go to firm. Great work and top videos!👍👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏👊👊👊.

[@kcnmsepognln]

The thing I find more terrifying than the state of that, is how long it's been like it. Good luck and stay safe.

[@aaronfay5615]

That is an absolute nightmare. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@brianperry]

When l first started work in 1962 there were many builders, mostly family concerns with years of experience from villages, towns and cities. By the time l reached retirement all that had changed the '' Small'' building industry was full of inept 'Chancers'. Not only that but many would operated outside building regulations as the one featured looks...When visiting a site its easy to spot a professional job to a bodge...

[@sroberts605]

Also, when you think back to the builders that built the original house - their skills were outstanding. Everyone understood that a long apprenticeship was the only way, skills passed on.

[@paddykelly5893]

you will have a lot of weight on your shoulders with this one darren, what you acheive here mate will give this poor family their life back again, good luck, and you and the lads be safe

[@sroberts605]

Absolutely! Imagine the stress of living there.

[@normanboyes4983]

Well done for stepping in to help the homeowner - where many others would ‘fear to tread’.😀👍

[@leeberry9666]

Wow that is proper bad. My best advise to you my friend is to approach with caution. Make sure you get paid weekly.

[@gdfggggg]

I said that. A day rate.

[@philstation335]

Also how do you put a price on that 😳 wud half to be day rate for everyone

[@peterwalton1502]

What a terrible mess these crooks have left. They need to be arrested and charged for this

[@RagingBlade1]

I watched this yesterday and wanted to share Darren's view on the job, it is a complete mess, these people should be found and put in jail for taking the money and creating a hazard to life. You are being extremely brave taking this on as you still don't know what you are going to uncover, I can see why most builders will simply walk away as the time and effort needed would mean charging at least 1.5 to twice the cost if starting from a fresh site. What is your plan of action once you've cleared some of the mess? Will you build the new wall from the existing door inside the house first so you have somewhere to support the new steel when i comes in or will you simply focus on making the place safe and then demolishing everything the previous build did. It must be agony for the family living there, the cold with the cost of energy as high as they are. Even worse than this, mentally the family must be close to breaking point, after 4 years of seeing this site. I am not a builder but it might be worthwhile seeing if others would donate some time or material to help the family out. GOD BLESS you for your efforts trying to help the family out. PS: I've seen some comments on Insurance cover, how does it work? Would the Insurers in the 1st year of the build cover it or 2nd/3rd? It would help if they were the same. I guess it is almost certain the previous builder did not have any kind of insurance.

[@tompo7467]

Wtf? some ppl don’t give a f. Gutted for the client. Hope karma catches these cowboys 🤞 You are some guy for taking this on brother. Fair play to you 👊

[@mikenewman3715]

You sure you want to get involved in that.

[@kevinhopkins8355]

Interesting looking bond on that brickwork ….

[@megaman2016]

Looks like a nightmare job, hope the pay is worth it

[@mkspilane3441]

I would not fancy that job,fair play to you,how your going to price it is beyond me,

[@makg4655]

It’s not a price job it’s defo a rate

[@bazkib]

Well done for taking this on mate.

[@chapman9230]

This is a home improvement equivalent of the horror stories you see about plastic surgery vacations in Turkey. Horrific. You are very brave. If you take it on I will be subscribing!

[@darrenthebuilder]

Yes, we confirmed today that we will be taking it on.

[@sayeedsayeed8720]

Wow, my eyes are hurting me!😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@jluther8893]

Wonder how much money they have spend on cowboy .. bless them. thank God it is now in good hand. Can’t wait to see it finish.

[@BrutalEntity]

Shocking!! But this is becoming more common these days.

[@davidtyrrell8639]

🏃🏿....don't go near that!!! Run

[@mercedesvan-doors34]

It looks like this whole house is very close to a demolish and rebuild all because some clueless tool called himself a builder. I was architectural technologist and contract supervisor for 30 years and I saw tan endless parade of this type of work and Joe Public being suckered into loosing their money. The company I worked for was involved in investigating serious cracking in a newly finished large detached house, it turned out the builder had set the founds out wrongly and just built one of the end gable walls on some cement set on the ground about 6" past the actual foundation. I don't know many would take this on so good luck 🙂

[@marcwalters7541]

You are super brave taking this job on Darren , I’m twitching watching .

[@daverichardson5861]

Blimey, wot a job! tread carefully on this one Darren. Its a friend of a friend but don’t lose out. An estimate is a starter, not a completed. Where to start? Foundations I would think before you start knocking down, something for acros to stand safe on. Good luck with your mission should you decide to take it. Should make some good videos. Stay well.

[@portlyoldman]

This definitely worth a series of videos to see the progress 😁

[@simonwaterhouse7323]

You have some cahoonas taking that on pal

[@SBNewMe]

The brickwork isn't the worst part, but it is certainly the most visually shocking! I'm speechless - Is the customer pursuing the builder? This could sink someone having to pay to have it rectified.

[@johncanna7856]

New subscriber here.👍 You have my respect and good wishes for trying to help these homeowners. All the best to you.👏

[@Tallfoolous]

Damn, Damn, Damn. That's a lot of work to make it right. I agree you need to knock everything out and start over. You don't want to remedy something that bad.

[@ingmarsen]

What an absolute mess ! To sort all that out's going to take ages . Hope you can manage with the team of builders and also take on other work !!!

[@daiburt1833]

That's shocking I don't think people appreciate working on a structure that's already up takes a different set of skills and there's specialist firms that do nothing else I spent 50 years working on buildings of historical importance.

[@furyan9382]

😮 just shocked. That will be tough and dangerous.

[@zjzozn]

My god…. Thank goodness the build was stopped and you are there 👍

[@Adam-ui3ot]

This is an absolute nightmare.

[@bren4061]

Nice to see the building inspectors paying attention otherwise it would have cost the house owners a small fortune it will cost even more to Demolish and put right

[@makg4655]

People all say “ WOULDNT TOUCH IT “ I’m sorry but the customer needs it done . They will pay extra obv . It’s basically a full demo and new build so don’t see the issue taking it on . So sad that it went that far i bet they have paid full £ to the cowboy 🤠.

[@darnosull]

man that is so sad for the owners - cant imagine getting that shafted by a builder must be heart breaking

[@simonappleton4528]

All the best,well presented video and a nightmare job to undertake, wishing you success in achieving a end product.🤟🤟👏

[@StuLau]

If you manage to fix it then your not only a great builder but a good person to help out the owner by taking on the job

[@davegem]

I'm not sure that I would have walked on that roof!