![\"A](\"https:\/\/shefnews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-27-135514.png\")
After claiming the job of fixing conservatory and changing the downstairs layout would take no longer than a month, the builder \u201cwent AWOL\u201d, and the work ground to a halt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was when Mrs Nygaard \u201cgot really worried\u201d and contacted the builder’s insurance company as was afraid she had been scammed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The insurance company, Covea insurance<\/a>, validated the certification and confirmed the builder had an active insurance with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, the builder got back in contact saying that they had \u201cbeen on holiday\u201d, asked for the second payment installment and replied to her concerns that no progress had been made by \u2018bashing out a load of walls and sending pictures.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mrs Nygaard, said: \u201cAll the way through October, we did not have a home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the builder continued to pressurise for more money, Nygaard contacted a structural engineer who evaluated the property and found that the site was structurally unsafe with the entire back wall needing to be replaced, telling the family that they could not even return to collect their belongings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Noami said: \u201cThe house was basically crumbling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe took a lot of money for stuff he didn’t do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later it was found after continued contact with Covea insurance, the builder had not kept up with his monthly payments and had backdated his documents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Covea insurance, said: \u201cWe are currently looking into the matter. While this is ongoing, we\u2019re unable to comment further at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The emotional toll placed on the family has also been great, with Mrs Nygaard explaining how being on the road and handling this many things at once has taken up \u201cso much headspace\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are now calling for regulation for builders to be mandatory and governmental legal aid to be provided for victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mum of two, said: \u201cPeople\u2019s money needs to be much more protected\u2026 they need protection from homelessness and being scammed\u2026 builders have to be personally liable.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The community has rallied behind the Nygaard family, with people contributing to their GoFundMe and also coming to help clear rubble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mrs Nygaard described the support as \u201cincredible\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She said, \u201cPeople have been giving time and energy to support us\u2026 I have never seen anything like this.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The family is still living on the road seven months later and are still coming across countless problems including mould and damp due to the rainy winter causing the total cost for repairs to be estimated at \u00a370,000. They have currently raised \u00a38,781 through their GoFundMe to hopefully make their home watertight and structurally sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information and to contribute to Naomi Nygaard\u2019s GoFundMe, visit Fundraiser by Naomi Engelkamp Nygaard : Sheffield family displaced after builder leaves home unsafe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n![\"Mrs](\"https:\/\/shefnews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-27-135554.png\")