Michael Johnson: Public warning issued over Aspendale Gardens unregistered builder

An Aspendale Gardens man has been accused of leaving a trail of botched building jobs and unfinished work in his wake.

A public warning has been issued over Aspendale Gardens man Michael Johnson.

The state’s consumer watchdog has issued a public warning about an unregistered Aspendale Gardens builder who made customers pay for works upfront but allegedly never finished the job.

Michael Johnson, 54, who operated under multiple trading names including Outdoor Lifestyle Concepts and Deck Creations, has been accused of working while unregistered and breaching Australian Consumer Law.

Consumer Affairs Victoria acting director David Joyner said Mr Johnson had been banned from taking payment for goods or services before he had completed the work as far back as 2005.

The ban is still active.

Mr Joyner said numerous customers had recently reported Mr Johnson had ignored their attempts to contact him over the unfinished work, or had made excuses not to complete work or fix faulty jobs.

“Victorian builders are required to meet certain obligations when completing building work, including making sure all work if fit for purpose,” Mr Joyner said.

“Everyone has the right to expect that builders are suitably qualified to do the job they’re hired to do and to complete their work to an appropriate standard.”

Anyone who has been approached by Mr Johnson, or asked to make any payment to him, should contact Consumer Affairs for advice.

Consumer Affairs Victoria received nearly 500 contacts about building issues in general during the 2019-20 financial year, an increase of 63 on the previous financial year.

If you need advice over a building dispute, visit Consumer Affairs’ website.