A renovation nightmare ends in court
A routine home improvement project for a cottage near Hallangen in Frogn turned into a nightmare of deceit for Scott and Pernille Maurstad. What began as a straightforward plan to spruce up a modest cottage became a prolonged ordeal fueled by a fraudulent carpenter. The couple, who cherish the cottage’s charm and its location close to the Drøbak Strait, found themselves enmeshed in a scam that left them financially exposed and emotionally drained.
How the scam unfolded
The Maurstads connected with a carpenter through the online platform Mitt anbud. The exchange appeared professional and credible, and the couple chose him over two other firms after careful consideration. They agreed to a contract and paid roughly 300,000 kroner in advance, money that is not uncommon in construction projects when significant material costs and labor are upfront.
From the outset, the carpenter offered excuses. He claimed illness and even a COVID-19 infection, followed by the birth of a child, presenting photographs of the newborn. Time dragged on; months slipped by, and the renovation stalled. The couple remained hopeful, relying on the written contract as their safeguard. However, the assurances continued to crumble as the carpenter recounted personal crises and asked for more money, a tactic that ultimately betrayed their trust.
As the situation worsened, the carpenter began visiting the Maurstads in Oslo to discuss his problems in person, even crying as he described his struggles. He requested an additional 100,000 kroner in advance, and when Pernille and Scott asked for the money already paid back, he agreed to a plan that he would refund the sum later if he recovered sufficiently. That promise never materialized, and what followed was a pattern of deception designed to extract more funds while delaying the work indefinitely.
The couple eventually reported the case to the authorities, and it soon emerged that they were not alone in being swindled. A broader examination revealed a string of victims connected to the same individual, who had orchestrated a troubling and financially damaging scheme under the guise of legitimate work.
The verdict and its rationale
On September 9, the Søndre Østfold District Court delivered its verdict. The carpenter was found guilty of gross fraud and eight additional counts of fraud. He received a ten-month prison sentence for the most serious charges. He also had an earlier sentence from January 2025, totaling eleven months in prison, for separate fraud-related offenses.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered the carpenter to pay compensation to the Maurstads amounting to 311,799 kroner. The ruling underscores the court’s stance against fraud and reflects an effort to provide some restitution to victims who faced significant financial strain due to the scam.
Reactions and reflections from the Maurstads
Scott and Pernille Maurstad welcomed the verdict, albeit acknowledging that the sentence may be lighter than they had hoped. The case was pivotal and underscored the vulnerability of homeowners who contract work through online platforms. The couple’s experience also drew attention to the broader issue of trust in the home renovation market.
Scott’s mother, renowned actress Mari Maurstad, attended the proceedings and supported the couple through the process. She commented that, while the carpenter appeared credible at times, he should not be considered a trusted professional in the theatre or construction worlds anytime soon. The family has faced an emotionally taxing period, but they remain focused on moving forward.
What this means for homeowners and what lies ahead
The Maurstads’ story serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners engaging in renovations. It highlights the importance of solid contract terms, verifiable references, and clear payment schedules. It also demonstrates why it is vital to monitor progress closely and not withhold scrutiny when personal misfortune is cited as a reason for delay. The legal outcome may bring some closure, but recovery of funds remains uncertain given the debtor’s financial situation.
Looking ahead, the Maurstads are transitioning to a new home and adjusting plans for their current one. After tying the knot in 2023 and welcoming daughter Ellinor in April, the couple has found a new two-dwelling property that promises more space and proximity to family and nature. They plan to sell their 113-square-meter Grünerløkka apartment and begin anew in a 160-square-meter setup that better accommodates their growing family. The case closes, but the family’s future looks brighter with a fresh home and a renewed sense of security against similar scams.
