Western Australian builder Choiceliving (WA) Pty Ltd (BC101237 – suspended) has today voluntarily entered into external administration.

Richard Lawrence from Hall Chadwick has been appointed as the administrator of the company.

Building Commissioner Ken Bowron advises that the company’s status will now trigger policies of home indemnity insurance (HII).

Home owners should contact their insurer for details of how to lodge an insurance claim. The insurer’s name can be ascertained by checking their certificate of insurance.

Clients covered by a policy of HII who have paid deposits but work has not commenced are also advised to contact their insurer.

If defects arise on completed projects, claims can be lodged with HII insurers before the expiration of six years from the date of practical completion.

Anyone owed money by the builder, including subcontractors and suppliers, should contact Hall Chadwick on (08) 6557 6200 and register as a creditor.

The company’s administration follows the Building Commissioner’s temporary suspension of its building contractor registration last week (read the media statement).

“The company’s building contractor registration was suspended on 25 January 2018 due to concerns about the company’s financial status,” Mr Bowron said.

“With the company now in administration, I encourage home owners to contact their insurer for advice on making a claim with a view to progressing their projects.

“Action taken by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Building and Energy Division will continue until the company’s financial position improves to a level acceptable for its registration to be reinstated.”

Residential building work contracts in Western Australia are governed by the Home Building Contracts Act 1991. If residential building work valued over $20,000 is to be undertaken, the Act requires that a builder take out home indemnity insurance in the name of the owner before accepting payment or commencing work.

Information about HII is on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/publications/home-indemnity-insurance.

*Note to the media statement: On 13 February 2018 the Building Services Board accepted a request from the administrators of Choiceliving (WA) Pty Ltd to suspend the company’s building contractor registration until 9 April 2018.

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