A South Australian grandmother has become the latest victim of a troubled building company, forced to toilet and shower in portable facilities in her garage as winter sets in.
Retiree Raelene Robb says the wet areas of her home — the bathroom, toilet and laundry — were gutted and abandoned by SOS Home Renovations, leaving her without the most basic amenities.
WATCH ABOVE: Adelaide grandmother stuck with unfinished work as builder abandons renovations
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
“Those portables… while they’re there, that’s all we’ve got,” she told 7NEWS.
“I’m quite emotional because of everything else I’m dealing with.”
Robb has already paid $54,000, but the work remains unfinished.
Retiree Raelene Robb says the wet areas of her home were gutted and abandoned by SOS Home Renovations Credit: 7NEWS Her problems extend outside the house too — a mini skip has been sitting in her driveway for almost six weeks, with no one taking responsibility for removing it.
She’s one of a growing list of customers left stranded by the company, whose owner Jase Henry appears to have gone to ground. Other victims include a northern suburbs single mum and a family of six, all stuck with half‑completed renovations.
South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said he was alarmed by the unfolding situation.
“I saw the Channel 7 story and it was horrifying,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas echoed the concern.
“Look, these are heartbreaking circumstances,” he said. “I know the business and community services, as the regulator here, will be actively examining it.”
7NEWS visited a Klemzig property linked to Henry, but neighbours said he hasn’t been seen for some time. Victims say their emails and calls have gone unanswered.
“It was supposed to be a dream… in my eyes, it’s a disaster,” Robb said.