Kitchen builder fined $24,000 for mistakes,
A builder has been fined $24,000 after failing to correct a substandard renovation, which resulted in a vermin infestation.
The builder, who remains unnamed by Nine, was prosecuted by the building and energy division of WA’s consumer watchdog.
These fines ended up costing him more than the amount he was paid for the renovation job in 2022.
The court was informed that the kitchen renovator charged his clients more than six times the legal deposit limit.
Additionally, he ignored an official order that required him to fix his work.
On October 25, the builder was convicted in Perth Magistrates Court under Western Australia’s building contract laws.
A couple from Oakford, an outer suburb of Perth, hired the builder two years ago for a kitchen update.
The kitchen renovation was priced at $18,711, according to court details.
For not complying with a prior legal directive, the builder was fined $15,000.
This directive, issued by the Building Commissioner, required him to address the defects in the renovation.
This included the installation of a missing window, which caused “weather and vermin damage,” according to a Consumer Protection statement.
His failure to complete this task contributed significantly to the total amount of the fine imposed on him.
The builder charged an $8,000 deposit, which represented 42.7 percent of the total cost of the works.
However, under Western Australian law, builders are only allowed to charge a deposit of up to 6.5 percent.
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This resulted in an additional $3,000 fine for the builder.
He was also fined another $5,000 for requesting progress payments when project deadlines were not met.
Furthermore, he received a $1,000 fine for failing to complete the necessary paperwork.
The contract “failed to meet legal requirements,” according to a Consumer Protection statement.
It lacked crucial elements, such as having all terms and conditions in writing and being signed by all parties.
Additionally, the contract did not include a required notice informing homeowners of their rights, as stated by Consumer Protection.
WA Building Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan emphasized that compliance with these laws is mandatory.
“These laws ensure homeowners are protected from excessive deposits or premature progress payments and have correct contractual documents,” he said.
