How to spot dodgy builders and contractors before they dupe you

Contractors are stealing millions from Queenslanders hoping to build their dream home – here’s how you can avoid falling into their traps.

Dodgy builders are stealing millions from Queenslanders hoping to build their dream home. Picture: iStock

Picture this: you hired a contractor to build your dream home improvement, the one you have been saving for, handing over thousands in hard-earnt cash.

They promised to deliver but then the excuses started flowing, their phone calls got few and far between.

You waited, and waited, dreaming of the future, until the penny dropped: you’ve been duped.

Queenslanders across the state are increasingly falling victim to deceptive or illegal contractor schemes as new digital scams take off.

“We’re seeing more and more dodgy traders operating via social media and online marketplaces,” a spokesperson for the Queensland Office of Fair Trading said.

Toowoomba builder Christopher Terrence Edards of Chace Roofing Sheds and Patios Pty Ltd alleged to have fleeced $1.3m from unsuspecting customers faced Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday November 25, 2024. Picture: NewsCorp Australia

In January of last year the OFT issued a rare public warning for Toowoomba-based contractor Christopher Terrence Edards and his company Chace Roofing Sheds & Patios Pty Ltd after receiving complaints from nearly 20 dissatisfied customers from Mackay to Charleville.

The discredited carpenter is alleged to have pocketed more than $1.3m from his clients looking to build their designs, only to leave them out of pocket with nothing but a few stumps in the ground.

Mr Edards and his company are facing 19 counts each of accepting payment and failing to supply goods or services within a specified period.

He will return to Toowoomba court in March after indicating he would plead guilty to all charges, adding he would be representing himself after his legal counsel withdrew.

The OFT recently released public warnings for two more South East Queensland contractors, both of whom had extensive histories of cheating customers and ongoing legal disputes.

A statement from the Fair Trading Commissioner at the time urged consumers “not to deal with these traders under any circumstances”.

“It’s clear these traders have a blatant disregard for the law, and despite various legal and enforcement actions, are up to their old tricks,” it read.

In 2021, five tradespeople were brought to court by the OFT, compared to 14 cases in 2023.

Last year alone, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission successfully prosecuted a total of 22 tradespeople and their companies thought to be engaging in illegal building practices.

Adding to the tally, 11 cases were brought to court by the OFT in 2024 with around 1000 disgruntled customers able to reclaim more than $500,000 in court-ordered compensation and redress.

“Our regulatory actions range from issuing penalty infringement notices and warning notices to licence suspensions and cancellations and court prosecutions,” QBCC Commissioner Anissa Levy said.

“Unlawful building work puts homeowners at a higher risk of defects and could impact their eligibility under the Queensland Home Warranty Insurance Scheme.”

How to avoid dodgy builders

Ms Levy warned Queenslanders to do their research, even asking friends and family for their recommendations, before entrusting their life savings with any tradesperson.

“A simple Google search goes a long way,” she said.

“It is so important that homeowners who are looking to undertake building or renovation work use licensed contractors, ensure they have a contract in place – regardless of the size of the job – and never pay excessive deposit amounts.

“Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make, so it’s vital that the contractor you choose is appropriately licensed for the work they have been engaged to do.”

Ms Levy recommended those looking to employ a contractor use the QBCC licence search, which details each registered contractor’s disciplinary history and licence status, before handing over any precious funds.

“We know from our ongoing audits of active building sites that most people do the right thing, but we also must hold to account those who are found to be operating unlawfully,” she said.

The OFT recommended searching for specialised tradespeople, checking reviews across multiple sites and sourcing quotes from multiple vendors.

“If something doesn’t look or feel right, choose another tradesperson,” the spokesperson said.

“A contractor doing only one type of work is likely to have more experience and knowledge in that area … check the quotes have all the relevant trader details (name, address, ABN, QBCC licence number).

“Consider it a red flag if you’re asked to pay a large deposit or the total amount for the job upfront … (and) always get a receipt, whichever way you pay for the work.”

QBCC requires maximum deposits for all building work in the state, with no more than 20 per cent to be paid for jobs of $3300 or less and no more than five per cent for jobs of $20,000 or more, with some exceptions.

The regulators urged anyone who felt that they had been duped by a contractor to reach out to QBCC on 139 333 or lodge a complaint to the OFT at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading.