Trader fined for ‘sub-standard’ roof conversion

A compensation order of £1,000 was also awarded to a Carrick couple who engaged the trader. In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Gareth Axon who traded as Loft ‘N’ Space, had earlier been found guilty of one charge on 29 May 2012 under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

In January 2010, the local couple engaged Axon to undertake a dormer roofspace conversion of their bungalow home. Building work was somewhat protracted and matters came to a head when Carrickfergus Council’s Building Control revealed a number of problems with regard to insulation and ventilation. Axon then sought an additional £5,080 to make good the shortcomings in this work. When the owners would not pay up he left the conversion unfinished.

Bill Malloy of the Trading Standards Service said: “These householders were essentially being held to ransom. This trader was trying to make the householder pay for his shortcomings.”

Anyone who believes they have been treated unfairly with regard to building or home renovation work should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or visit the website at http://www.consumerline.org