Choiceliving had 55 incomplete residential building projects. Photo:Attila Csaszar

Builder collapse hits 55 homes

Tuesday, 30 January, 2018 - 17:02
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Western Australian builder Choiceliving (WA), which trades as Choice Living Homes, has been placed into administration less than one week after its building contractor registration was suspended.

Building Commissioner Ken Bowron announced last Thursday he had suspended the company’s registration due to concerns about its financial status.

Richard Lawrence from Hall Chadwick WA has today been appointed as administrator by the company’s directors, which include managing director and owner Mario Nenadic.

Choiceliving had 55 incomplete residential building projects plus a number of commercial projects in progress.

Mr Bowron said the residential building works were a mix of single homes and multi-residential unit developments.

He was unable to confirm details of the commercial projects.

Mr Bowron said the company’s status would now trigger policies of home indemnity insurance (HII).

“With the company now in administration, I encourage home owners to contact their insurer for advice on making a claim with a view to progressing their projects,” he said.

The insurer’s name can be ascertained by checking the certificate of insurance.

Clients covered by a policy of HII who have paid deposits but work has not commenced are also advised to contact their insurer.

If defects arise on completed projects, claims can be lodged with HII insurers before the expiration of six years from the date of practical completion.

Residential building work contracts in Western Australia are governed by the Home Building Contracts Act 1991.

If residential building work valued over $20,000 is to be undertaken, the Act requires that a builder take out home indemnity insurance in the name of the owner before accepting payment or commencing work.