By Karl Hoerr -
The NSW Government says the $473,000 worth of fines issued against a Sydney man over unlicensed and uninsured building work, shows the government is serious about removing cowboys from the home construction industry.
Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong says Anthony Abi-Merhi, a sole trader operating under the name Triscapes, was found guilty of more than 40 breaches, relating to work for four consumers in 2022. Building Commission NSW identified a series of offences, including unlicensed work, excessive deposits and work without insurance from the Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF), during its investigation.
In one case, the government says a customer was quoted $99,500 for a job that ended up costing $142,000.
Under NSW law, projects valued at more than $20,000 require HBCF cover, and contractors must obtain it before any work starts and before accepting payments, including deposits. The fund operates as a safety net for homeowners who encounter incomplete or defective building work by builders or tradespeople.
General building work valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials requires a licence or certificate.
Chanthivong says the penalty send a clear message to builders. “[T]he Minns Government is serious about eradicating cowboys and shonks from the NSW home construction industry.”
The minister says inspectors from Building Commission NSW will come down hard on those caught doing the wrong thing. “Consumers should only engage a contractor once they have researched their credentials … to make sure their licence is valid and whether the licence has any conditions or regulatory issues attached to it,” he says.
The NSW Fair Trading website has a contract checklist with information about what to do before signing a contract and handing over any money.
