29 Nov 2017

Builders lose licences over substandard work

3:30 pm on 29 November 2017

Two builders, in Christchurch and Auckland, have been fined and had their building licences cancelled for substandard work.

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Photo: 123RF

Christchurch-based Stefan Mortimer, a licensed building practitioner (LBP), has been ordered to pay $1500 and has had his licence cancelled for a "cavalier attitude" towards the building code, the Building Practitioners Board said.

Paul Hobbs, the registrar of the LBP scheme, said Mr Mortimer did not get building consents for two buildings on land he owned.

Mr Hobbs said the buildings - which Mr Mortimer intended his family to use - did not comply with the building code in terms of structural integrity, amenities or sanitation.

"Mr Mortimer's offences are at the serious end of the scale," said Mr Hobbs, "and the Board noted that the dangerous and unsanitary nature of the building work was an aggravating factor in this case".

In the second case, Auckland-based Satish Chand was ordered to pay $2000 and had his licence cancelled following his third appearance before the board.

Mr Chand has been suspended previously.

Mr Hobbs said Mr Chand had made a number of building-related errors which demonstrated a lack of understanding and knowledge of the Building Code and applicable technical standards.

"Mr Chand's work failed inspection 10 times, and on numerous items," said Mr Hobs. "Many involved serious shortcomings relating to weathertightness of the home. The Building Inspector notes that the work at hand was a simple job, but Mr Chand seems to be out of his depth."

Mr Hobbs said New Zealanders could have confidence that LBPs were held to account by the Building Practitioners Board, who ensured building practitioners met the high standards expected of them.