One family even remortgaged their home to pay him for a loft conversion
Jason Brice left one family with an uncompleted loft conversion(Image: Bristol City Council)
A rogue builder has been jailed after causing ’emotional distress’ to several families and stealing ‘irreplaceable’ time and money for unfinished works.
Jason Brice pleaded guilty last week, on August 7, to three offences under Consumer Protection legislation after his actions left families with unfinished building projects and significant financial harm and emotional distress.
Trading under the company name Creo Creations, Brice took money from several families in Bristol, leaving their building works unfinished and facing huge bills to put the works right.
One family, who had remortgaged their home in order to build a loft conversion to accommodate their disabled children, were left with a leaking roof and years of disruption to repair the damage he left.
Brice walked away from the job, citing mental health and family problems. However, the victims then discovered photographs posted on social media of Brice enjoying himself at Pop World.
In their victim personal statement, the family cited the stress and harm that he has caused, saying: “Jason has stolen irreplaceable time and money from us, and our loft still isn’t even complete.”
Brice has now been sentenced to eight months in prison following a hearing. Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee, said: “This outcome demonstrates that unlawful trading practices in Bristol will not be tolerated.
“Our Trading Standards Team is committed to supporting legitimate businesses with the guidance and tools they need to operate fairly and legally.
“However, when a rogue trader such as Mr Brice disregards the law, and leaves families with unfinished building works and emotional distress, they will face consequences, and appropriate legal action will be taken to seek justice for those who have suffered.”
To report a rogue trader, contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
When looking for a builder, Bristol City Council recommends the following:
- Be patient. Good tradespeople typically have waiting lists of at least six months. Be wary of any builder who can start quickly or says they have just had a cancellation.
- Get genuine recommendations from people you know and trust. Don’t post messages on social media asking for a builder or tradesperson – rogue traders are known to use these platforms.
- Obtain three independent quotes, making sure the quotes are detailed and give firm prices, not estimates.
- Agree on start and expected completion dates and set up a payment plan. Never pay large deposits upfront.
- Don’t rely on guarantees offered by trader approval sites. These are often limited to small amounts and won’t cover the cost of putting things right if the works go wrong.
- Understand the requirements around planning and building regulations.
- Make sure you get everything in writing.