A Sydney man has been handed a $473,000 fine after being found guilty of more than 40 breaches related to unlicensed and uninsured residential building work for four consumers in 2022.
Anthony Abi-Merhi, a sole trader operating under the name “Triscapes”, initially quoted a consumer $99,500 for a job, which ultimately cost the consumer $142,000.
An investigation by Building Commission NSW uncovered multiple offences, including unlicensed work, excessive deposits, and failure to obtain Home Building Compensation Fund insurance.
Abi-Merhi was also convicted on 27 charges of demanding or receiving payment for building work without insurance, while performing landscaping work in south-western Sydney.
NSW Home Building Regulations
In New South Wales, it is mandatory to hold a licence or certificate to undertake any residential building work valued at more than $5,000, including labour and materials. This covers activities such as construction, repairs, renovations, and decorating.
Key regulations include:
- For contracts over $5,000, the maximum deposit permitted is 10% of the total contract value.
- For projects exceeding $20,000, Home Building Compensation Fund insurance is required before any work begins or payments are accepted. This insurance serves as a safety net for consumers in the event of incomplete or defective work.
The defendant has 28 days to appeal the sentence.
Consumer Advice and Resources
To ensure you hire a licensed and compliant tradesperson, visit the following resources:
- Choosing the right tradesperson: Building Commission NSW Website
- Verify a contractor’s licence: Verify Licence Website
- Contract Checklist: Fair Trading NSW Website
Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong’s Statement
“This serious $470,000 fine for unlicensed building work sends a clear message to builders – the Minns Government is determined to eliminate rogue operators from the NSW home construction industry.”
“Building Commission NSW inspectors are actively monitoring and will take strict action against those who fail to comply with regulations.”
“Consumers should always verify a contractor’s credentials by using the Verify Licence website to ensure their licence is valid and free from conditions or regulatory issues.”
“Additionally, reviewing user ratings and using the Contract Checklist on the Fair Trading website before signing any contract can help protect consumers from dodgy operators.”
This landmark fine underscores the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and consumer protection in the home construction sector.
