A DISGRUNTLED homeowner has done some DIY with a difference.
Paul Willey has unfurled a big banner highlighting a three-year dispute over what he claims is unfinished work on his new home.
The development company says it is working with Mr Willey to sort out the last of the problems, but he said he had “just had enough” after three years of complaining about his Wimpey house on Agnes Silverside Close, off Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester.
Mr Willey, who paid £280,000 for his four-bedroom home, said: “I wouldn’t wish on anybody what I’ve had to go through. It’s a lot of money to spend and you expect a new house to be right.
“It must have cost them tens of thousands of pounds already on repairs, and they’re still not finished.”
Mr Willey, 31, works in the building industry himself.
He drew up a 22-page list of problems before he moved in to the house in June 2006. “I knew what to look for and there was bad workmanship throughout the house,” he said.
“The render was already cracking, the damp proof course wasn’t fitted properly and my neighbour’s extractor fan vented in to my garage, to mention just a few problems.
“Sometimes workmen have come to put something right and in the process caused another problem or damaged my furniture. It’s just gone on and on and sapped my spirit.”
He said industry watchdog the National House-Building Council ruled George Wimpey must carry out specified repairs.
“That was back in February and I’m still waiting,” he said.
Amy Taylor, a spokeswoman for developer Taylor Wimpey East London, said the firm has been working with Mr Willey to address the problems he has “unfortunately encountered” with the house.
She added: “An engineer is due to contact Mr Willey this week in order to assess the last of the issues, in order to bring the matter to a close as soon as possible,” she said.
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