Mother left struggling to breathe after cowboy builder tore down her house

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It was just such a horrific time – I just felt so ill, and like I couldn’t even breathe,” Chloe said. “I’m just glad we got creative and just about managed to afford furniture, but most of it was free.” In 2018, Chloe and husband Scott decided to extend the back, front and side of their 1960s house, using a builder who was highly recommended by a friend. “Literally everything in the house is second hand – we spent around £1,500 on furniture, but I think we saved up to £20,000 as we had to get beds and sofas which tend to be the most expensive.” Despite the stressful ordeal, Chloe’s search for second-hand pieces opened her eyes to the uniqueness of preloved furniture, and it allowed her to get creative with her interior design. “And that was really important to us because then that doesn’t date over time and it’s much more cost effective – if you mix lots of different styles up, you don’t get bored with it.” Chloe managed to bag herself items such as the designer sofa for £500 and her free vintage sideboard.