To not accept builders shoddy work

[buildingdispute]

So we had builders in for a renovation who convinced me to pay them on a day rate rather than quote for a job and then pay for it when done (yes I know this was a mistake- never again!).

They did the work and it's totally shoddy. I have had to have them back accompanied by building control to fix a leak to the roof, but also have seen that they have attached our ridge tiles really wonky and it doesn't look at all professional- I honestly think I could have done a better job myself.

Also they installed new floor joists which aren't level! The new floor undulates as if they haven't used a spirit level.

We have spent our life savings on this. I have been trying to put right a lot of the work myself but I don't even have any more money to buy new supplies!

We have had a change of circumstances too so need to relocate so need sell the place rather than live in it for 10 years which is what we thought we were going to do.

I contacted a No win no fee company but they said they aren't taking on any new cases right now.

I am broken, we have spent over £100K and the value of the house has hardly changed because it's all unfinished and shoddily done,

AIBU to not accept I have been ripped off and to hope I can fight this or should I do as DH said and just admit we've been had and that all our life savings (and inheritance) are gone?

What can I do if IANBU? I really want to fight it but I just don't know where to start

Can you look on your house insurance to see if it covers this?

Sadly not- I just checked. I feel sick.

I am so sorry to hear this has happened to you. It is an incredibly stressful thing to experience.
Do you have an outline scope of works, something the builder was emailed before you agreed to proceed via a day rate and maybe acceptance of the works but on a day rate?

You can ask building control for a report on all items they have done which do not meet the building regulations at the time of the works, as a starting point.
Also consider contacting a snagging company to prepare a snagging report showing the deficiencies, particularly if you have had electrical works done.

This is important because you will need confirmation the electrics are OK to sell and where works are dangerous you can then complain about the electrician to the registration board.

You could consider small claims for the most urgent items and that is something you would not need a lawyer for.

Good luck.