Unregistered Builder fined $33,200
Issue Date: - Thursday, 12 February 2009
Unregistered builder Steve Preston has been fined $33,200 following an investigation by
the Builders' Registration Board (BRB). He was also ordered to pay costs of $5,384.
Mr Preston, a three time bankrupt who has traded as Preston Developments and now
resides in Queensland, was found guilty in the Magistrates Court in October 2007 of two
offences against the Builders' Registration Act 1939 and 13 offences against the Home
Building Contracts Act 1991. After failing to appear for sentencing on two occasions, he
was arrested by Police on a return visit to Perth and sentenced on 23 January 2009.
"Mr Preston is one of the worst offenders the BRB has come across, so I am pleased this
matter is finalised" said BRB Chairman Mark Cuomo.
Mr Preston's many offences include undertaking building work while unregistered and
taking deposits that far exceeded the maximum 6.5 percent of the contract value allowed
by law. He also took thousands of dollars in progress payments from his clients when little
or no work had been done, and failed to obtain home indemnity insurance. One
consumer, an owner-builder whose house Mr Preston contracted to build, was left $44,000
out of pocket.
"Mr Preston has repeatedly shown no regard for the law or his customers over several
years", Mr Cuomo said.
Mr Preston's case highlights the serious dangers posed to the public by unregistered
builders. Consumers should also be aware of their rights under the Home Building
Contracts Act 1991 to stage payments so that they only pay for work that has actually
been performed or materials already supplied.
Anyone considering engaging the services of a builder should visit the Board's website
(www.builders.wa.gov.au) or telephone 9476 1200 to check that the builder is registered
and familiarise themselves with their rights and obligations under law.
END OF RELEASE
Media Contact:
Kim Fare
Registrar, Builders' Registration Board
Telephone: 94761218