5 days ago
Couple whose home was demolished by 'Britain's worst builder' while they were on holiday in a row over money finally get to move into property
A couple have finally been able to move into their dream home four years after it was reduced to rubble by 'Britain's worst builder' during an angry rampage.
The £500,000 property on leafy Guilford Road, in Stoneygate, Leicester, was demolished by the workman back in June 2021 in a row over money while the owners were on holiday.
Owner Jay Kurji said his home was bulldozed after he refused to pay the builder - who has not been named - an additional £3,500.
He had hired him to carry out renovations, including a two-storey extension and enlarged kitchen diner, to the four-bedroom detached property.
But the fuming builder ripped off the roof, three walls and left the driveway littered with debris while Mr Kurji was away with his family in Wales.
Shocking pictures showed how the property was left all but ruined with huge piles of debris including bricks, insulation and timber dumped all over the driveway.
Now following a painstaking four-year rebuilding process, Mr Kurji and his family have finally been able to move into their home.
Mr Kurji did not want to comment further today, saying: 'The house is finished now, I just want to put it all behind me.'
But he previously spoke of his 'nightmare' after picking the 'worst builder in Britain' to work on the home for his family-of-six.
He said at the time: 'It's a nightmare, unfortunately I picked the worst builder in Britain.
'I bought the house last year and employed a builder to start work in February. We wanted lots of work doing so it could be our family home for six of us.
'The work included a two-storey extension, a new roof, wiring and we wanted it to be more environmentally-friendly.'
Mr Kurji said the builder took revenge when he refused to cough up the extra money.
He added: 'I was on holiday 200 miles away when all the scaffolding was taken down and the house damaged.
'When I called police they told me they couldn't do anything because it's a dispute so not a criminal case.
'I've emailed Trading Standards but I'm still away so it's difficult to sort it all out.'
The house, in a quiet area of the city of Leicester, is now completed and can house Mr Kurji's family of six
Neighbours said they had been left frustrated at living next to a building site for so long but were glad the house was finally complete.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: 'We had sympathy with him to start with but patience began running out when we were living next to a building site for years.
'Many questioned the design as well but I think it looks OK, I'm just relieved we don't have to look at that mess anymore.
'It must have cost him tens of thousands of pounds though and he's a nice enough guy, so I'm glad he's in.'
Another added: 'I know he was absolutely gutted when the builder tore it down, all that money down the drain.
'He's worked hard to get it rebuilt but it has taken a long time. I think he moved in with his parents for a bit. It must have been a nightmare.'
