A couple from Northamptonshire returned from a short holiday to find that the builders they had hired to renovate their home had effectively moved in, eating their food, sleeping in their bed, and even subscribing to Sky Sports.
Delia and Mick Cunningham, both 60, had paid £34,000 to specialist firm Marek KBI for structural repairs to their three-bedroom home in Hardingstone. The work was expected to take five weeks, so they went to stay with their son in Anglesey. However, when they returned after just four days, they discovered the builders had taken over the property.
The couple found empty vodka bottles, mouldy food, and cannabis in the kitchen. The fridge had been emptied and restocked with Polish food. Two labourers had slept in their bed, used the side of the house as a toilet, and watched pay-per-view TV. The gas had been disconnected, leaving the couple without hot water or heating.
Ms Cunningham, a former store owner, said: 'We had wanted to fix up the home and move to be near my son who has Asperger’s syndrome. From day one they took over. They built a barbecue in the garden using our blocks and bricks.' The couple cut ties with Marek KBI after paying £17,000, but a second company also left the job unfinished.
Seven months on, the home remains a building site, and the couple face an additional £34,000 bill to rectify the mistakes. Former director of KBI, Marek Buza, expressed regret, claiming he was unaware the workers were living in the house and had to hire cheaper labour to meet the budget.
