An unlicensed Belmore builder who used another trader’s licence number has been ordered to pay almost $9,000 in fines and costs by Downing Centre Local Court.

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge said Konstantinos Diamantis, who traded as KD Security, was convicted of breaching the following sections of the Home Building Act 1989:

• Section 4(1)(a) – unlicensed contracting of residential building work
• Section 5(1)(a) - carrying out residential building work whilst unlicensed
• Section 8(1)(a) – demanding or receiving an excessive deposit and
• Section 17(1)(a) – falsely representing as a holder of a contractor’s licence.

“Mr Diamantis has abused the licence system and deserves to be fined,” Ms Judge said.

“The law is in place to protect consumers from being ripped off by unscrupulous operators like Mr Diamantis.

“Mr Diamantis has not held any form of residential building licence since January 2006.

“Between September and November 2008 Mr Diamantis advertised his building services in the Central Courier, Wentworth Courier and The Glebe and Southern Courier newspapers.

“In the advertisement, he published a licence number that he had illegally copied from a valid licence holder, who was unaware of Mr Diamantis’ actions.

“Mr Diamantis also breached the law in accepting a deposit worth greater than ten percent for work valued at less than $20,000.”

Ms Judge said Fair Trading investigators became aware of Mr Diamantis’ illegal activities after receiving two reports from consumers.

“Consumers should always establish the validity of traders’ credentials by checking licence details with Fair Trading and asking for references and contact details of recent customers,” she said.

“If you have any doubts about the status of a trader’s licence contact Fair Trading immediately.”

Unlicensed traders who are caught carrying out building work can face fines of up to $22,000 for an individual or up to $110,000 for a company.

Consumers can check the validity and currency of a builder’s licence online at this website or by calling 13 32 20.

Back to Media releases