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Rogue roof work: Qld tradie hit with $13k fine over 3 offences
A Queensland builder, who has never held an appropriate licence, has been fined $13,750 over charges related to roof work at a Carseldine property.
Robert Waine Tayler was sentenced at the Sandgate Magistrates Court on 25 February for three charges under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991.
The charges included carrying out building work without an appropriate licence, taking an excessive deposit, and failing to have a compliant contract in place before commencing work.
According to the regulator, the matters related to a renovation, alteration, improvement or repair of a roof at a property in 2022.
At the time, Tayler had been trading under the name Thermoguard Roofing Restoration Pty Ltd, which was no longer a legal entity.
The company’s licence was cancelled in March 2018 after the QBCC found it not fit and proper, and was deregistered in December 2019.
QBCC CEO and commissioner, Angelo Lambrinos, said individuals who operated outside the law would face serious consequences, as residents were entitled to feel safe and assured when a contractor entered their home.
He also urged home owners to check licences, understand deposit limits, and ensure a written, dated, and signed contract was in place before work began.
“Unlicensed offending also takes work from hard-working licensed individuals and companies who are experienced, qualified and who do the right thing,” Lambrinos said.
Lambrinos said the QBCC was committed to protecting owners against repeat and deliberate offending in a bid to boost confidence in the industry.
“When someone chooses to operate outside the law, the QBCC has a responsibility to act – not only to protect home owners and uphold industry standards, but to champion the reputation of hard-working licensed professionals,’’ he said.
However, he said protecting the integrity of the sector would take a united effort, and called on home owners to speak up and for licensed professionals to share their on-the-ground experiences.
“When something feels wrong or is wrong, tell us – your information helps us take decisive action against unlicensed operators who undermine trust and fairness,” Lambrinos concluded.