Former building contractor Lordz Pty Ltd (BC100934; cancelled) and its director Peter Lord have been fined for undertaking building services while unregistered.

There was no appearance by Mr Lord or the company at Midland Magistrate Court on 11 December 2023 following prosecution by Building and Energy.

They were convicted in their absence of two offences under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 for holding out or implying the company had an entitlement to carry out prescribed building services, and actually carrying out prescribed building work, while unregistered.

Under the Act, only a registered building contractor can undertake building work valued at $20,000 or more that requires a building permit.

The court was told that in October 2021 the Building Services Board refused to renew Lordz’s building contractor registration as it did not meet financial requirements.

However, the company entered into a contract with a Vines homeowner in January 2022 for home renovation work valued at $150,240. Lordz commenced the work in March 2022 and continued over the next four months, but did not complete the project.

In court, Lordz was ordered to pay $25,000 in fines and Mr Lord was ordered to pay $7,500 in fines plus costs of $909.30.

Building and Energy Executive Director Saj Abdoolakhan said this type of conduct misleads consumers and undermines building industry participants who are registered.

“Registration of builders protects consumers and helps to maintain high standards of workmanship and consumer confidence in the industry,” he said.

“Consumers are encouraged to seek evidence of a builder’s registration before entering into any building work contract valued at more than $20,000 and requiring a building permit.”

A list of registered builders is on the Building and Energy website (demirs.wa.gov.au).

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Media contact: BEmedia@dmirs.wa.gov.au