A MOTHER who is singlehandedly fighting off builders risks losing her home if she loses her latest court battle.

Miranda Chimanikire-Dona, of Jefferson Close, Gants Hill, has spent the last three years fighting Sehbac Ltd after she refused to pay for the conservatory they built in October 2013.

The 47-year-old single mother has not paid the £12,000 she owes for the extension over claims it is falling apart, lopsided and floods when it rains.

Despite having no legal experience, she has represented herself at two County Courts, and is now in the final stages of a High Court battle at the Technology and Construction Court (TCC).

On top of the builders’ £12,465 claim, the mother-of-one is also facing around £60,000 in legal fees, which could mean losing her home.

This week's (December 5,6) High Court hearing was supposed to take place in July, but was delayed after Ms Chimanikire-Dona was rushed to King George Hospital A&E the day before after collapsing overnight.

She said: “I would have been on the streets by now if I hadn’t been so vigilant.

“This has been going on for too long.

“For three years I have been living upstairs and it has severely affected my health.

“Whether we agreed or disagreed at the time, we need to come to an agreement now.”

When claims were first brought against her at Romford County Court in 2014, Ms Chimanikire-Dona lodged a counter claim of £30,000 to get the "DIY job" knocked down and rebuilt.

While the builders claim they offered to fix the problems that arose after they finished the extension, Ms Chimanikire-Dona refused to let them in or give them any money.

Representing Sehbac Ltd at yesterday’s TCC hearing (December 5), Elizabeth Dwomoh said: “This is quite a simple case.

“The defendant’s refusal to pay and allow my client entry into her property is a breach of contract.”

But Ms Chimanikire-Dona maintains she wants another company to rebuild the conservatory and “does not want Sehbac Ltd coming to her house”.

Judge Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart said: “The question is whether Sehbac Ltd achieved substantial completion of their building work to Ms Chimanikire-Dona’s home.

“If they did but the work is damaged, she would have to pay, but would be entitled to damage costs.”

The court heard from an independent surveyor who agreed some of the building work was “substandard”.

A glass processing expert also gave evidence, saying Ms Chimanikire-Dona’s claims the glass she was sold was “cheap, ex-display glass” were false.

The hearing continues, with Judge Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart expected to give his verdict in due course.