Unlicensed builder Adam Mills fined more than $8000 for dodgy work at a Christies Downs property
An unlicensed builder who used twisted and warped timber to build a pergola at a southern suburbs home has copped a big fine and prompted a warning about finding random tradies online.
SA News
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A builder has been fined more than $8000 for dodgy work at a southern suburbs home which left the ground covered in uneven concrete and a pergola built with twisted wood.
Adam Mills, 32, was found guilty of breaching fair trading and building regulations for the work he performed in late 2018 at a Christies Downs house.
Mills, who has never held a builder’s licence, advertised on Facebook and Gumtree, saying that he would perform “high quality” work at “low prices”.
He was hired by the property owner to build a pergola, install a timber gate and lay concrete ground cover.
In the weeks that followed Mills used twisted and bowed lengths of wood, which were the wrong size, to build the pergola.
He also left lumps of uneven concrete around the property.
The owner discovered Mills was not a registered builder and demanded a refund.
The Christies Beach Magistrates Court heard that Mills had not only not paid back the owner, but had also failed to attend mandatory conciliation meetings designed to resolve the issue.
Consumer Affairs Commissioner Dini Soulio described the Mills’ offending was a serious example of how property owners could be duped by dodgy workers.
“Mills was unlicensed and unauthorised to carry out work of this nature,” Mr Soulio said.
“Yet, he held himself out as a quality tradesperson. He carried out substandard work on
a consumer’s property, and subsequently refused to refund the client or settle the
matter.
“We would encourage all consumers to check whether a tradesperson is licensed
before engaging them to perform work. This gives you an extra degree of certainty that
the person you’re dealing with is able to do the job.”
The Consumer and Business Services website allows users to check the public register of trade licensees.
Master Builders Association director of policy and communications Will Frogley said that if a price seems to good to be true, it often is.
“Reality TV shows give the impression that anybody can be a tradie, but if you want quality work done you need to go with someone who is licensed and reputable,” he said.
“It is important to do your research before engaging a builder or tradie. As this client found out, cutting corners can be a costly, stressful and time-consuming mistake.”
Anyone with concerns about a tradesperson’s conduct can call CBS on 131 882.