Nova Scotia Couple Says $200K Renovation Nightmare Led to Bankruptcy Fears

A Nova Scotia couple say a home renovation meant to create more living space has left them close to bankruptcy, with an unfinished basement, cracked walls, winter damage and months of unanswered questions.

Bert and Naomi Delorey, from Colchester County, hired contractor George McInnis in early 2025 after posting on social media for renovation help. Bert Delorey told CBC News that three contractors submitted bids, and he chose the middle-priced offer rather than the cheapest or most expensive one.

The couple had planned a major upgrade to their 90-year-old home. According to the contract they provided to CBC, the work included jacking up the house, creating a basement apartment and building a three-metre addition on the front of the property.

Naomi Delorey said they had handled renovations before, but this was supposed to be the big one. Instead, she said, the project “turned to ash.”

How a $180,000 Contract Became a $200,000 Dispute

The agreement was worth more than $180,000, with payments to be made in three instalments over the course of the renovation. The Deloreys now estimate McInnis received about $200,000 before serious problems escalated and the work stopped in the fall of 2025.

Messages reviewed by CBC show the couple began raising concerns in May 2025 as repeated delays slowed the project. The work to lift the home continued into September, when texts discussed placing the house back on its foundation.

The Deloreys allege the house fell during the process. They pointed to cracked interior walls in nearly every room and said the home remains slightly off its foundation. Outside, the property is still surrounded by a trench that is partly filled with water.

“I’m almost bankrupt,” Bert Delorey told CBC. He said the situation has taken a serious toll on their mental health and may delay his retirement.

The couple also said the financial damage grew during the winter, when water froze in the incomplete basement in December. They estimate that caused another $30,000 in damage and repairs. CBC reported that messages from November show McInnis had also expressed concern that freezing damage could happen.

McInnis declined multiple CBC requests for comment on the allegations and said he was seeking legal advice. In text messages to the Deloreys, he attributed cost overruns to unexpected issues with the home. He said labour and materials accounted for the $200,000, while also repeatedly promising to return thousands of dollars to the couple.

Other Customers Also Raise Concerns

After taking his complaint to social media, Bert Delorey said he found other customers who described similar experiences with the same contractor.

CBC reviewed contracts from four other clients. Those contracts said customers had to request an “appropriate refund” before taking legal action. They also stated that McInnis was not liable for delays or failures to perform work caused by factors outside his control.

One customer, Betty Gibson, said she hired McInnis in March to level a mobile home in Lake Echo, renovate a bathroom and replace a door. The contract was worth $4,500, with half required as a deposit.

Gibson told CBC that McInnis first cited a transmission problem with his truck, then rain and later a family matter as reasons for delays. She said he dropped off materials but did not complete the work. After becoming concerned, she asked for her deposit back.

Messages reviewed by CBC show McInnis assured Gibson that he would refund the money, but cited problems with online banking. Gibson said she is still waiting for $2,250 and has filed in small claims court. CBC reported that McInnis did not attend a May 15 hearing.

The Deloreys have filed a complaint with police. Nova Scotia RCMP told CBC that no charges have been laid.

Homeowners dealing with business or contractor disputes in Nova Scotia can review the provincial consumer complaint process through the Government of Nova Scotia business complaint page.

For the Deloreys, the unfinished renovation is no longer just a construction delay. It has become a fight to protect their home, recover money they say was lost and rebuild financial stability after a project that was supposed to improve their future instead put it at risk.

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