A dodgy builder has been banned from the building industry after being convicted twice in five years for undertaking poor-quality and incomplete work whilst unlicensed.

Nicholas Martin was first convicted in 2006. He had entered into building contracts with two women living in Colonel Light Gardens but his work was incomplete and sub-standard and required rectification.

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) took action earlier this year against Mr Martin when a South Plympton man lodged a complaint concerning incomplete paving and fencing work which was paid in full.

Mr Martin’s work was of sub-standard quality and undertaken without a licence. He was convicted and fined $9,500 and ordered to pay compensation to the client of $7,300.

He was also ordered to pay $650 in prosecution costs, plus court costs and the victims of crime levy.

CBS initiated disciplinary action as a result of Mr Martins offending The Court ordered Mr Martin:

• be disqualified from being licensed under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995 until further order;
• be prohibited from being employed or otherwise engaged in the business of a building work contractor until further order; and
• be prohibited from being a director of a body corporate that is a building work contractor until further order.

Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Paul White, said rogue builders could tarnish the standing of reputable tradespeople.

“Shonky and unlicensed builders take advantage of the trust that consumers place in the industry and its tradespeople,” Commissioner White said.

“South Australia has many competent and honest builders and consumers should take comfort that we are pursuing the few disreputable characters.

“However, CBS also advises home renovators to be diligent and research potential contractors before handing over money. Check their trader’s licence and registration on the CBS website to make sure they are actually qualified to do the job,” Mr White said.