Dodgy builders in Perth have become a growing concern for homeowners, leaving them in distress and financial turmoil. In this article, we will delve into the deceptive tactics employed by some builders, as revealed in a shocking video inspection in Alkimos Perth today, from our lead building inspector Russell McCarthy.

 

 

The Builder’s Motivation

Builders often rush customers into the Property Completion Inspection (PCI) to expedite stage payments or finalise the account. As Russell Mccarthy, an experienced inspector, points out, “Builders will quite often tell customers the property’s ready, it’s ready for PCI, come have a look, have your first inspection.” This urgency can lead to subpar workmanship and incomplete projects, leaving homeowners in a state of despair; that is, if you’re not aware of these dirty tactics. lucky for you, we’re here to uncover dodgy builders in Perth and show you how they operate.

 

 

Unacceptable Conditions

The video inspection, conducted by Russell McCarthy, exposes the appalling state of a property claimed to be ready for PCI. In his words, ‘the tactics that some of these guys are using are just unacceptable.’ The absence of a garage door, missing splash grates, and widespread damage are just the tip of the iceberg. These revelations point to a lack of professionalism and a blatant disregard for quality. Just as we highlight issues in building inspections, recognising professional qualifications through RPL is critical for maintaining industry standards.

 

 

Exterior Nightmares

Walking around the property, we discover a myriad of issues. As Mccarthy emphasises, “Without digging deep, let’s have a quick look.” From holes in the walls to poorly executed painting jobs and evidence of historic bush damage on eavesheets, the builder’s negligence is evident. The absence of weep holes, improper grading, and numerous defects showcase a building far from compliant standards.

 

 

Interior Chaos

Entering the house, the situation does not improve. Mccarthy notes, “No striker, no door seals, no phased plates, damage to the door furniture, inconsistent gaps,” raising concerns about security and quality. Incomplete painting works, hammer dents, and the absence of light fixtures contribute to the overall sense of unfinished business.

 

 

Kitchen Catastrophe

The kitchen, a focal point of any home, reveals its own set of horrors. As Mccarthy points out, “I tested the hot plate, it doesn’t work.” Caulking left undone, a malfunctioning hot plate, and a sink in deplorable condition suggest a rushed and careless construction process. This is not the dream home the homeowners envisioned.

 

 

Bathroom Blunders

Moving to the bathroom, the issues persist. Mccarthy highlights, “Look at the quality of this wall. Look at this. Look at this, don’t think that I don’t know that they’ve only painted one coat.” Non-existent doors, incomplete tiling, and poor waterproofing showcase the builder’s lack of attention to detail.

 

 

Homeowner Heartbreak

The emotional toll on the homeowners is palpable. As Mccarthy states, “This is a brand new house. This is something someone’s worked really, really hard for, and they should be excited to be here today. And they’ve left. They’ve left in tears.” My video shows the reality that some builders prioritise profits over the dreams and hard work of their clients. The last thing you want is to look up at your ciling or roof and notice it’s about to fall on your head (hello chiropractor bills).

 

 

🛑 Notable Disciplinary Actions Against Perth Builders (2015–2025)

 

Below are some examples of recent action taken against several builders (names ommited) in WA. You can view up to date announcements at the WA government website for more details.

 

1. Builder 1

• Penalty: $40,000 fine and cancellation of building practitioner registration.

• Issue: Negligent supervision leading to over 100 breaches of building standards across two residential projects in Beckenham and North Coogee.

• Details: Structural defects included issues with walls, beams, brickwork, and non-compliant modifications. Homeowners faced significant financial impacts, with rectification costs exceeding $1.1 million. Western Australian Government+1WA Building Inspections Perth+1

2. Builder 2

• Penalty: $5,000 fine.

• Issue: Submitted a forged home indemnity insurance (HII) certificate to the City of Stirling to obtain a building permit for a new home in Yokine.

• Details: The fraudulent certificate had fabricated policy details. The company later provided a legitimate HII certificate, but the initial attempt to deceive was penalized. Western Australian Government

3. Builder 3

• Penalty: $3,500 fine and $736 in costs.

• Issue: Commenced foundation work on a two-storey house in Queens Park without obtaining the required HII.

• Details: The company began work in January 2022 but did not secure HII until July 2022, exposing the homeowner to financial risk during that period. Western Australian Government

4. Builder 4

• Penalty: $2,000 fine and $504.30 in costs.

• Issue: Failed to obtain mandatory HII for renovation projects valued at over $96,000 in Dudley Park.

• Details: The lack of insurance left the homeowner $132,000 out of pocket when the renovation was left incomplete. Mr. Edmonds later became bankrupt, and the homeowner could not recover the losses due to the absence of HII. WorkSafe WA+5Western Australian Government+5Western Australian Government+5

5. Builder 5

• Penalty: $450,000 fine and $35,000 in costs.

• Issue: Failed to maintain a safe workplace, resulting in serious harm to a worker when a concrete staircase collapsed during construction at a secondary school in Alkimos.

• Details: The incident occurred in April 2019, and the company was found guilty in August 2024. WorkSafe WA+6Western Australian Government+6WorkSafe WA+6

6. Builder 6

• Penalty: $600,000 fine and $5,000 in costs.

• Issue: Removed steel props supporting a concrete staircase, leading to its collapse and causing serious injury to a worker.

• Details: The company was a subcontractor on the Alkimos school project and was fined in February 2023. Western Australian Government

7. Builder 7

• Penalty: $22,000 fine and $900 in costs.

• Issue: Failed to provide a safe work environment, resulting in an apprentice falling six meters from trestle scaffolding and sustaining serious injuries.

• Details: The incident occurred in August 2017, and the fine was imposed in October 2024. WorkSafe WA

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These cases highlight the importance of due diligence when selecting a builder. Homeowners are encouraged to verify the credentials and track records of builders through the WA Building Services Board and ensure that all necessary insurances, such as Home Indemnity Insurance, are in place before commencing any building work.

 

 

Legal Protections and Consumer Rights

Understanding your rights as a homeowner is crucial. As Mccarthy advises, “Consumers should familiarise themselves with contracts, regulations, and avenues for legal recourse.”

 

 

How to Safeguard Your Investment

Research, reviews, and due diligence are key in avoiding dodgy builders. Mccarthy suggests, “Asking for references, checking licenses, and staying informed about building regulations empower homeowners to make informed decisions and protect their investments.”

Check out my article where I go in depth about how to choose a builder in Perth.

 

 

Our Final Say

The shocking video inspection, coupled with insights from Russell Mccarthy, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges homeowners face in navigating the construction industry. While not all builders engage in such practices, the need for vigilance and informed decision-making is paramount.

 

 

FAQs

 

1. How common are issues with dodgy builders in Perth?

The Dodgy builders list in Perth is growing every day and are unfortunately not uncommon in Perth. Homeowners need to be cautious and thorough in their builder selection process.

 

2. What legal actions can homeowners take against substandard builders?

Homeowners have legal recourse through consumer protection laws. Consulting with a legal professional is advisable to explore available options.

 

3. How can homeowners protect themselves from unscrupulous builders?

Thorough research, checking references, and understanding building regulations are crucial steps to safeguard against dodgy builders.

 

4. Are all builders in Perth prone to such practices?

No, not all builders engage in unethical practices. Many reputable builders prioritise quality and customer satisfaction. Just like the focus on wellness in professions such as chiro, where integrity and care are paramount, many builders maintain high standards and ethical practices.

 

5. What should homeowners do if they encounter issues during the construction process?

Promptly document and report any issues to the builder and seek legal advice if problems persist. We have noticed many builders tend to blame the environment such as trees on te property for many defects, in this case, get an arborist to report on the situation to cover you and ensure the builder is held liable to rectify the situation.