The couple then signed in February 2024 with Ultimo Constructions, one of WA’s best boutique builders and five-time winner of the HIA Australian Professional Small Builder of the Year award.

They were told the house would be built within nine months.

Fast forward a year – and through what Godwin describes as “many delays, money wasted, numerous emails and calls” – and all they have is a concrete slab.

“We found out from the internet that Ultimo had gone into liquidation,” she said.

“No calls, no emails, no information. Just left to fend for ourselves again.”

Godwin said they were in the process of getting builders’ insurance paid through QBE; however, out of 15 builders contacted, none were interested in finishing the job that would now cost significantly more than initially projected.

“It’s been four years,” Godwin said.

“So much wasted money, court cases, so many tears and so much stress, and we are in no better position than when we started.

“We got married and had two children in this time … but still no house.”

Meanwhile, they are dealing with spiralling rental costs to keep a roof over their heads on top of the costs…