Property owners told to steer clear of kitchen and bathroom reno company

A Melbourne-based kitchen and bathroom renovation company, Consumer Affairs director Nicole Rich expressed the belief that issuing the warning “is in the public interest”.

She explained that Consumer Affairs Victoria has received “an influx of concerning contacts relating to the company’s operations”.

Consumer Affairs Victoria said it has received communications that allege the company “received payments for kitchen and bathroom renovation works; and is failing to fulfil consumer contracts; and is failing to respond to consumers”.

Ms Rich stated that the number of concerns noted and the serious nature of the issues raised means it is important that consumers are “cautious” when dealing with Ultimate Kitchens & Bathrooms.

She is also urging consumers to reach out to Consumer Affairs Victoria if they do require any information about or assistance with Ultimate Kitchens & Bathrooms.

The latest warning comes a week after Consumer Affairs raised alarm bells that a Melbourne-based removalist was also causing grief for consumers.

That followed the lodging of 89 complaints against CBD Movers, a Melbourne-based but nationwide servicing business.

At the time, Ms Rich stated her belief that a statutory public warning notice was required as it was “in the public interest given the high level of recent contracts received by CAV in relation to CBD Movers, and the concerning level of customer detriment evidence in these contacts”.

CBD Movers had reportedly “failed to accept liability to damage they caused to consumers’ belongings, shifting the blame for the damage on to the consumer”.

In addition, Ms Rich flagged that the removalists had failed to attend jobs on time, been incorrectly charging customers above the hours worked, and had also engaged with consumers in an unprofessional manner.