The Maurstads’ renovation dream turns into a nightmare
In July, the Maurstad family thought they were starting a simple spruce‑up of a cabin they own by Hallangen in Frogn. The cabin is modest but cherished, a weekend retreat for years. Scott Maurstad (37) and his wife Pernille Maurstad (33) loved its charm and its proximity to Drøbaksundet, and Pernille, who enjoys interior work, had even promised to take the lead on the project.
Through the platform Mitt Anbud, they connected with a carpenter and his company. The contractor presented himself as trustworthy and chose to underbid two other firms, after which they signed a contract and paid roughly 300,000 kroner in advance to cover significant outlays. They believed they had found a reliable partner for the job.
The scheme unfolds: endless excuses and emotional manipulations
Very soon, excuses started piling up. The carpenter claimed he had fallen ill, then that he had contracted COVID, and later that he had welcomed a baby, sharing photos of the newborn. The couple, understanding the delays, remained patient—after all, contracts provide some sense of security in home projects.
Weeks stretched into months, and the couple began to suspect something was wrong. The carpenter then presented himself at their home in Oslo, tearfully describing his mental health struggles and asking for further financial help. He requested another advance of 100,000 kroner. When Pernille and Scott offered to allow him to resume work if he could guarantee the existing funds would be returned or used to continue the project, he agreed to the plan, claiming he would transfer the money the following week. It proved to be another deceitful promise.
Court, verdict and what followed
The couple was not alone in their experience. They later learned that others had also been swindled by the same contractor. On September 9, the Søndre Østfold District Court handed down a sentence: the carpenter was found guilty of gross fraud and eight additional counts of fraud, receiving a total of ten months in prison. The sentence is reported to be in addition to an earlier judgment from January 2025, when he was sentenced to eleven months’ imprisonment for related offenses.
The court also ordered restitution to the Maurstads totaling 311,799 kroner. For Scott and Pernille, the verdict offers some closure, but they acknowledge that the impact lingers. “We’re glad he was convicted, but the sentence feels a bit light,” Scott said, reflecting a common sentiment among victims who hope that such actions deter others.
A family’s resilience and a brighter future
In the weeks after the trial, life began to turn a corner for the Maurstads. They welcomed their daughter Ellinor in April, and their growing family inspired a fresh start. They moved from their Grünerløkka apartment to a larger home, nearby nature trails and a child‑friendly neighborhood. The two‑house property on a single plot offers roughly 160 square meters of space, suitable for their expanding family after some renovations of their own—carefully planned and paid for without the threats of deceitful contractors.
Additionally, they have put their 113 square meter apartment on Grünerløkka up for sale. The sale will help fund a modestly larger mortgage for the new home, letting them settle into a space better suited for family life and future plans.
Why this case matters
The Maurstads’ experience highlights how construction scams can exploit trust, especially when a platform or a professional looks credible at first glance. It also underscores the importance of clear contracts, thorough references, and careful monitoring of project funds. For victims, the path to justice, while not always returning every euro, can bring accountability and a sense of closure.
Looking ahead
As Scott and Pernille focus on building a new home and welcoming more joy to their family, their story serves as a reminder to homeowners nationwide: verify, document, and proceed with caution when hiring professionals for significant renovations. The road to a finished project might be long, but with the right safeguards—and a supportive community—the end result can still be a place to call home.
