We hired Bruce Lynes of Lynes Construction for our renovation, based on a strong recommendation from our architects

We hired Bruce Lynes of Lynes Construction for our renovation, based on a strong recommendation from our architects. While there were some issues, the work was completed. We later contracted him to build a patio roof, paying R39,000 upfront. After signing, he vanished—no materials, no work. Despite many attempts to reach him, we eventually contacted his son, prompting Bruce to respond through a lawyer friend. He admitted he’d spent the money and couldn’t repay it, but signed an acknowledgement of debt, agreeing to repay R5,000 monthly. Months later, we've received nothing. We’re left with a R39,000 loss and a leaking roof from his earlier work, which he refused to fix. Roofing experts later confirmed he used substandard waterproofing products not suitable for external use, costing us an additional R25,000 to repair. Bruce Lynes is a smooth talker who cannot be trusted. He took our money and left us with damage and debt.