Retired couple ‘traumatised’ as three-week renovation turns into two-year £60k 'nightmare'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A retired couple have been left in a financial 'nightmare' after their home renovation project turned into a two-year ordeal, costing them nearly £40,000 more than expected - and it is still not complete.

Malcolm Carter, 72, a former firefighter, says he has seen his pension pot drained by the ongoing costs of restoring his four-bedroom detached property.

He's now had to sell his car and release equity from his home to keep up with the payments. The couple from Southampton hired Nationwide Construction Specialists Ltd for the job in September 2022, having found the firm "highly recommended" on Checkatrade.

They paid £23,891 upfront for the renovation of their country home. READ MORE: Family say they 'can't sell' £160k home thanks to 'eyesore' house next door After being advised their home would be uninhabitable during the works, Malcolm and his wife Terri, 71, took a holiday in Guernsey.