Anthony Abi-Merhi’s Triscapes hit with $470,000 fine amid Building Commission NSW crackdown

A Sydney builder has been slapped with a whopping $470,000 fine for carrying out uninsured and unlicensed work, as the Minns government warns inspectors are out in ‘full force’.

A Sydney builder has been slapped with a $470,000 fine after he was found guilty of more than 40 breaches for charging excessive deposits and demanding payment for working without insurance, amid a crackdown on industry “cowboys” by the building regulator.

Anthony Abi-Merhi, a sole trader operating under the name Triscapes, racked up a slew of offences after carrying out uninsured and unlicensed work for four clients in 2022.

During the investigation, Building Commission NSW found Abi-Merhi once quoted a client $99,500 for a job, but ended up charging them 40 per cent more, with the final bill priced at $142,000.

Abi-Merhi was found guilty of 27 charges of demanding or receiving payment for building without Home Building Compensation Fund insurance while carrying out landscaping work in southwestern Sydney.

The Building commission also found Abi-Merhi was working without a licence.

Building Commission NSW is cracking down on unlicensed tradesmen. File picture: Christian Gilles

Traders require a licence or certificate to do any residential building work in NSW, including general building work valued at more than $5000 in labour and materials.

This includes construction, repairs, renovating or decorating a property.

Building Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said inspectors were out in full force. Picture: Gaye Gerard

For contracts valued at more than $5000, the maximum deposit to cover labour and materials is 10 per cent.

The Home Building Compensation Fund Insurance is required for projects valued at more than $20,000, and contractors must obtain this cover before starting any work or accepting any payments including deposits.

This insurance aims to provide a safety net for consumers facing incomplete or defective work.

Building Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said Building Commission inspectors “are now out in full force and will come down hard on those caught doing the wrong thing”.

“This serious $470,000 fine for unlicensed building work sends a clear message to builders – the Minns government is serious about eradicating cowboys and shonks from the NSW home construction industry,” Mr Chanthivong said.

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