Unlicensed builder fined

PHOTO: FILE

An unlicensed builder, Richard Barry Dodd, faced significant penalties totaling over $11,000 due to his actions while his licensed building practitioner (LBP) license was suspended. The charges brought against him included performing restricted building work while his LBP license was suspended, providing false or misleading oral information, and providing false or misleading written information, all of which were addressed at the Kaitaia District Court.

An investigation by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) revealed that Dodd carried out a renovation project during the period of his suspended license. He also deceived the Auckland Council during their building inspection by falsely claiming to be an LBP. Additionally, he issued a record of work that falsely indicated he held an LBP carpentry license upon project completion.

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Duncan Connor, the MBIE national manager of occupational regulation, emphasized the significance of the LBP scheme in ensuring that consumers hire well-trained professionals for restricted building work. He encouraged anyone looking to hire a builder to check the LBP Public Register, which confirms a builder’s professional qualifications and adherence to industry standards.

Duncan Connor emphasized that MBIE would not hesitate to prosecute individuals who violate the law. He stressed that practitioners seeking to undertake restricted building work must diligently confirm their proper licensing before commencing any work.

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Dodd received a fine of $3,279.80 for conducting unlicensed restricted building work, in addition to an order to pay $4,880.81 as reparation costs and $1,000 for emotional harm to the homeowner. He also faced $1,000 fines for providing false or misleading oral and written information.

The LBP license is essential for overseeing or performing restricted building work, including crucial residential construction. LBPs are obliged to maintain an up-to-date license while engaged in restricted work, and unauthorized work of this nature can lead to fines of up to $20,000.

SOURCE: STUFF