South Australians are being urged to keep an eye out for dodgy tradies, with the state now having harsher penalties to hold them accountable and deter further rogue behaviour.
The State Government has increased penalties up to $150,000 for individuals and $550,000 for companies repeatedly offending following a spike in complaints over the past year.
South Australians are being urged to keep a look out for dodgy tradies.
On-the-spot $5000 fines also apply for new offences of unlicensed work, including hiring unlicensed subcontractors to do licenced work, using another contractor’s licence number and falsely claiming to be licenced or registered.
Harsher penalties have been introduced to hold rogue tradespeople accountable and deter further dodgy behaviour.
Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Michael Brown said it was concerning there were so many complaints from South Australians who felt ripped off by tradies so they were cracking down with harsher penalties.
“Most builders and tradies do the right thing however, there is no excuse for operating without a licence and performing substandard work and then leaving people in the lurch,” he said.
“Always take the time to compare the quotes from different businesses and make sure everyone who provides a quote is licensed.
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“If they are not, report them to Consumer and Business Services.”
Those hiring a tradesperson are being urged to seek advice from at least three different tradies to determine what work is necessary; to request quotes that are itemised and fixed from each to determine a fair price; and to ensure you are contacting multiple different businesses as some trade under several names but are owned by the same company.
The best way is to check their licence numbers or search the Consumer and Business Services licencing register.
Always check a tradie’s licence before letting them undertake any work. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Nikki Short.
Most importantly, ensure you only deal with a tradesperson licenced to do the work you need.
Every builder and tradesperson by law mush display their licence number on any advertising, including on social media, their website and business card.
You can also ask to see their licence, either digital or physical plastic card.
Search online for independent reviews and always be cautious of those going door-to-door as under consumer law, there needs to be a written contract and a 10-day cooling off period.
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