Another WA builder fined for misleading council

Only a few days ago Property Observer reported about a builder misleading the City of Geraldton, copping a total of $10,000 in fines. This time, it's the City of Stirling who claim to have been misled.

The West Perth builder John Joseph Dryka will pay $10,000 in fines and $2,000 of costs for misleading conduct under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011, according to the State Administrative Tribunal.

The proceedings, initiated by the Building Services Board, were finalised at the end of March. Essentially, the builder was found to have misled the council, as well as an insurer, as to the estimated value of a Scarborough property's building work, that would involve constructing a three-storey dwelling.

The building licence and home indemnity insurance, that he applied for in December 2007 and November 2007 respectively, were to the value of $850,000. The contract he entered into, however, was $1,799,996.

He then failed to update the local government and insurers of the true value.

Building Commissioner Peter Gow said that being a registered builder is a statement that you have qualifications and experience enough to provide an acceptable service. It also means that the builder is accountable for compliance with building laws and standards.

“Providing building services is an important job – if it’s not done correctly it can put public safety, consumers’ wellbeing and the reputation of the building industry at risk," said Gow.