Unscrupulous gardener on Facebook allegedly swindles homeowner out of nearly £4,000 in shoddy services
In the picturesque town of Kirkstall, Leeds, a single mother named Sohal Navdeep finds herself in a distressing situation. After paying a landscaper £4,000 for a complete makeover of her front and back garden, her family is left with no garden to play in due to the landscaper's failure to complete the work.
Sohal's four children, who were eagerly anticipating a safe and beautiful outdoor space to play, are now left with only their imagination. The landscaping work was intended to provide a much-needed haven for the family, but unfortunately, it has become a source of frustration and disappointment.
Sohal found the landscaper on Facebook and initially had a positive experience. The contractor showed her a computer model of the garden featuring pale grey paving, wooden planters, slatted fence boards with stylish lights, and promised to deliver a stunning transformation. However, the reality fell short of expectations.
The landscaper completed the back garden for Sohal Navdeep for £3,800, and Sohal paid them in full. Yet, after laying the slabs for the back garden, the landscaper never returned to complete the work. The front garden remains untouched, leaving Sohal and her family without a garden to enjoy.
The landscaper claims that Sohal did not pay for the front garden and that there were skips left on the drive from other builders, causing delays. They also assert that they turned up several times from Manchester, costing them a lot of money. However, Sohal maintains that she paid the landscaper £2,200 for the back garden and a deposit of £1,600 for the front, as well as £250 for a skip, via bank transfer.
This unfortunate incident highlights the problem of 'cowboy builders' who take money for work up front and deliver substandard work or take the money and don't turn up at all. It serves as a reminder to exercise caution when working with tradesmen, especially when dealing with large sums of money.
Sohal Navdeep has taken to social media to warn others about the landscaper, sharing her story to prevent others from falling victim to the same situation. She also spoke to Leeds Live about the situation, expressing her disappointment and frustration.
Other homeowners in the area have come forward, claiming they were also ripped off by the same contractor. A man even reported losing £1,200 he paid for materials. The name of the contractor who allegedly left Sohal Navdeep's garden work incomplete is not publicly available.
Despite the distressing situation, Sohal remains hopeful. She emphasises the importance of careful research and due diligence when working with a landscape designer to ensure the best results. For those considering a landscaping project, it is advised to take the time to research and verify the credentials of any contractor before pressing ahead.
For more information on what you should know before working with a landscape designer, visit [insert link here].
