Unlicensed builder Sapati Michael Faraimo convicted again for unlawful building work

A dodgy builder has received his second $15,000 fine in just over a year as Queensland's building watchdog warns repeat offenders face jail time.

Repeat offender Sapati Michael Faraimo has been convicted for a second time in 13 months for unlawfully carrying out building work at a property in Daisy Hill in 2022, and failing to provide a written contract.

A repeat dodgy builder has been slapped with a $15,000 fine for the second time in a year, as the state’s peak building commission cracks down on unlicensed workers.

It comes after more than half a million dollars in fines was dished out to dodgy operators this year sparked by Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) action.

Repeat offender Sapati Michael Faraimo has been convicted for a second time in 13 months for unlawfully carrying out building work at a property in Daisy Hill in 2022, and failing to provide a written contract.

This year 39 QBCC matters have been finalised in court where about $577,984 in fines and compensation have been ordered. Picture: QBCC

Faraimo returned to Beenleigh Magistrates Court in November where he was previously convicted and fined $10,000 for unlawful building work performed in October last year.

In sentencing, Magistrate Mark Howden commented on the need for strong personal deterrence and said a substantial penalty was necessary to deter others within the building industry from contemplating similar offences.

Any individual found guilty of three or more unlicensed building-related offences under the QBCC Act may be subject to the maximum penalty of a fine of $58,415 or one year in jail.

This year 39 QBCC matters have been finalised in court where about $577,984 in fines and compensation have been ordered.

Speaking generally, QBCC Commissioner Angelo Lambrinos said the when someone chooses to operate outside the law, the QBCC has a responsibility to act.

“I will unapologetically take all appropriate legislative action when someone is repeatedly or knowingly doing the wrong thing,” Mr Lambrinos said.

New QBCC Commissioner and CEO Angelo Lambrinos, West End. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Not only to protect homeowners and uphold industry standards, but to champion the reputation of hardworking licensed professionals.

“Protecting the integrity of the industry takes a united effort. We rely on homeowners to speak up and licensed professionals to share their on -the-ground intelligence.”

Mr Lambrinos urged homeowners to check if an individual is licensed, review their compliance history, understand allowable maximum deposits and ensure a written, dated and signed contract is in place before work begins.

According to the QBCC 2024-25 annual report, unlicensed contracting made up almost half of all investigations.

Last financial year, 864 alleged unlicensed contracting investigations were opened – an increase of almost 300 since 2020-21.

QBCC also opened 413 investigations for breaches of domestic building contract requirements, 339 insurance-related incidents, 77 false or misleading advertisement incidents, and 181 incidents of improper use of a licence.

QBCC has recently made changes to allow builders to carry a digital license to make it easier for homeowners to check builders credentials.

Originally published as Unlicensed builder Sapati Michael Faraimo convicted again for unlawful building work