Malcolm Carter, a 72-year-old retired firefighter from Hythe, Southampton, has faced a distressing two-year ordeal with a home renovation that was expected to take three weeks and cost £23,891. The project, handled by Nationwide Construction Specialists Ltd, has left the couple living in hotels and has drained their pension savings, as they have now spent over £61,000—almost £40,000 more than anticipated. Upon returning from a holiday, they found their house in disarray and little progress made, leading Malcolm to eventually ask the builders to leave. The company disputes the claims, stating the work was completed, attributing the issues to an unpaid electrician bill. A survey concluded the work was unacceptable, estimating an additional £40,000 needed to finish it. Although a court ordered the company to repay £8,000, the couple has yet to receive any compensation.