CONSUMER & BUSINESS ADVICE
Public Warnings
10 December 2021

A public warning notice has been issued by South Australia’s consumer watchdog against Cavan-based business Superior Outdoor Living Specialists, following numerous complaints relating to the installation of studio rooms, pergolas and cubby houses.

Since 2018, Consumer and Business Services has received 16 complaints from consumers, ranging from failure to deliver goods and services within an agreed timeframe, to numerous issues with building quality and defective work.

In one instance, the trader was contracted to supply and install a cubby house and nest swing as a gift for a disabled child, using money from a children’s charity.

While the cubby house was installed, the swing, valued at over $900, was not.

Only after an intervention by CBS did the customer receive a refund, nearly two years after paying for the swing.

Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Dini Soulio said that while Superior Outdoor Living Specialists had been licensed since January 2021, the licence only permitted carpentry, light steel framing and joinery.

“The company’s building work contractor’s licence did not permit them to install transportable buildings such as studio rooms or granny flats - they were not authorised to do a number of the jobs they contracted for and continued to flout the rules,” he said.

“We’ve now suspended their building licence. Our licensing scheme exists to provide consumers with confidence that the person they are dealing with is able to do the job.

“We’ve received numerous complaints about the quality of work delivered - if it’s been delivered at all - and there were limited measures taken by the trader to resolve these issues.”

Mr Soulio urged consumers to avoid dealing with the business.

“We are continuing to investigate complaints in relation to this business and urge anyone who has had similar issues to contact CBS.”

The public warning notice can be found here.

To report concerns about a trader, contact CBS on 131 882.