We are the Nygaard family from Lodgemoor, Sheffield, with two young children aged four and two. Last year we began renovating our home to fix a leaking conservatory, improve the downstairs layout, and change the bathroom, using savings we had built up over eight years.

Unfortunately, accidental failures during construction left the house partially demolished and unsafe. The builder didn't complete the project, or return to repair the damage, and in late January we learned he'd gone bust. We've been displaced since September, and have now had to move 12 times, often relying on friends or friends-of-friends while trying to make the house safe again (we don't have family near Sheffield).

Media Coverage

Our situation was featured today Feb 20th on BBC Radio Sheffield Breakfast Show and will appear on BBC Look North this evening (watch on iPlayer for 24 hours). To listen/watch, go to:

1.07 and 2.07 (same report) on here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002r4jk?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Our story was also covered in a news article on BBC online — you can read it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g02j2kvrdo

The builder had been a member of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and TrustMark, a government-endorsed quality and redress scheme. However, in mid-January he either resigned or was removed from both organisations. As a result, we were informed by the FMB and TrustMark that they were no longer able to assist us in any way.

We had already paid two-thirds of our savings for the building work to the original builder - money now lost - leaving us with limited funds to make the house safe and liveable again. We are currently trying to pursue insurers (the builder's and our own), and have had to make complaints for their rejections of our claims; this process is slow and uncertain, and in the meantime our family remains without a safe home.

We are now facing the added challenge of managing damp and mould in the house which is damaging our furniture and possessions following a wet winter and exposure to the elements for so long... all this while only being able to safely go into certain rooms.

We are now in discussions with new builders to begin repairs, but we cannot complete the needed work without help. Our goal is to make the house structurally safe, cover temporary accommodation, and make it liveable again so our children can finally come home.

Every contribution — big or small — brings us closer to giving our family back the stability and safety we urgently need. Thank you for your support.