Ex-builder in hot water over residential property work

According to a statement from the commissioner, Mr Houlahan breached the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 for building work he had performed at a number of residential properties.

“In 2009 Mr Houlahan misled the Shire of Gingin stating he was the builder named on a building licence for a $55,000 shed located in Karakin when he knew that was not the case;

“In 2013 Mr Houlahan failed to comply with a building remedy order to fix 29 defective items at a property located in Karakin, including plumbing, plastering, painting, carpentry and tiling issues;

“In 2014 Mr Houlahan failed to comply with a building remedy order to pay $16,719 to the owners of a Gabbadah property in relation to faulty tiling work; and

“In 2014 ­ Mr Houlahan again misled the Shire of Gingin when he submitted a notice of completion stating he was the builder for the duration of construction at a Gingin property knowing the contract had been terminated prior to completing the works and that the owner finished the work themselves.'

Building and Energy Acting Executive Director Saj Abdoolakhan said Mr Houlahan’s behaviour shows a pattern of non-compliance with Western Australia’s building legislation, "which is not acceptable”.

“The fine would have been higher but Mr Houlahan is no longer operating as a registered builder,” he added.