South Australian consumer watchdog strips licence of home builder Fenbreeze Homes over allegations of impropriety

THE state’s consumer watchdog has warned the public against dealing with a home builder which has been stripped of its licence amid allegations of illegal activity.

The state’s consumer watchdog has issued a public warning over Ferryden Park building firm Fenbreeze Homes.

A HOME builder which allegedly took its clients’ money but never completed their properties has been stripped of its building licence.

The state’s consumer watchdog has issued a public warning against dealing with Fenbreeze Homes and director Joseph Biju Kavilpurayidathil alleging the company also provided fake building indemnity insurance certificates.

Consumer Affairs Commissioner Dini Soulio said his agency had received numerous complaints from clients over the conduct of the Ferryden Park firm.

“We heard from consumers who say that they have paid this business money to carry out building works that have either not been completed, or have not been completed in a reasonable time, which may breach the Australian Consumer Law,” he said.

“In addition, some of the clients who have contacted us allege they have been provided with false building indemnity insurance certificates — meaning that those people will not be covered in the event that work on a property ceases or turns out to be substandard, and the builder is not in a position to complete the project.”

Under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995, it is compulsory in South Australia for builders to take out a Building Indemnity Insurance policy on all domestic construction projects that require development approval and have a value of $12,000 or greater.

Mr Soulio encouraged any consumers who have had dealings with the business to check their indemnity insurance certificates to ensure they are valid.

“This business has also failed to attend Compulsory Conciliation Conferences called as a result of consumer complaints and has failed to fulfil its obligations under legally binding agreements with consumers,” he said.

“Consumer and Business Services is continuing to investigate matters relating to this business, and is warning the public not to enter into any contracts with Fenbreeze Homes for building services.”

Anyone with concerns about their dealings with either Fenbreeze Homes or Mr Kavilpurayidathil should contact Consumer and Business Services on 131 882.