Project manager fined after $120,000 renovation cost blow out

Project manager Michelle Hosking last week pleaded guilty to 12 charges relating to two renovations in Croydon North that resulted in a cost blow out of more than $120,000.

Hosking was fined $15,000 in Ringwood Magistrates’ Court after managing the renovations without the required contracts, insurance, registration or permits, according to the Herald Sun. She was also ordered to pay costs.

The Victorian Building Authority’s Cheryl Lewis said that Hosking had drafted three page contracts that failed to meet requirements. She had previously only undertaken commercial office fit outs.

The Herald Sun reports that Lewis told the court the home owners paid $124,000 more than the contract price for the renovations and that cost blow outs had occurred.

It was also reported that Hosking took deposits above the maximum allowed 5%.

The work on both houses was completed.