An unlicensed builder who admitted taking money from four consumers for services he never provided has been fined $1,000 and ordered to repay one client $1,050.

The Adelaide Magistrates Court heard 50-year old Frank Abbate of Edwardstown took deposits ranging between $200 and $1,000 from four clients to install roller doors at properties around suburban Adelaide.

Abbate pleaded guilty to carrying on a business as a building work contractor without a licence, and four counts of accepting payment for services but failing to provide them within a reasonable timeframe.

The court heard Abbate failed to start any of the work, but had subsequently repaid three out of the four consumers involved.