Builder ordered to pay $3,500 for unconsented works…

The Building Practitioners Board has ordered a builder to pay $3,500 for performing building work without a consent.

The builder sold his house, but the alternative accommodation that he organised fell through. The builder decided to build his own accommodation and began constructing a one bedroom house.

A building inspector carrying out an inspection nearby noticed the construction work and made a complaint.

The builder claimed that renting a house and storing his belongings was too expensive, and instead decided to build his own accommodation. Although he said there had been no time to apply for a consent, he had been working on the house for three months.

The Board held that despite the building work being of a good standard, and receiving a certificate of acceptance, undertaking works without a building consent was unacceptable.

The Board ordered the builder to pay a fine of $3,000 and costs of $500.

The builder could easily have avoided this expensive outcome if he had followed building procedure.

If you are unsure about the building consent process, or have concerns about a consent that has been granted, it pays to speak with a professional experienced in the area.

Leading law firms committed to helping clients cost-effectively will have a range of fixed-priced Initial Consultations to suit most people’s needs in quickly learning what their options are.  At Rainey Collins we have an experienced team who can answer your questions and put you on the right track.

Alan Knowsley
Construction Lawyer