Perth firm fined for defective driveways

A Perth concreting business and its director previously flagged by regulators have been ordered to fork out $50,000 in fines and compensation over a raft of building offences.

The state government’s Building and Energy division laid 30 charges against Antique Asset Pty Ltd and its sole director, Sergio Demali at Perth Magistrates Court on March 17 2023.

Among the matters heard by the court were claims the business had ignored official orders to fix defective or incomplete work, sought excessive deposits as well as other building contract law breaches.

Antique had been engaged by customers to provide driveway concrete services at five properties across Scarborough, Caversham, Alkimos, Ellenbrook and Port Kennedy, with the department claiming the company had demanded a 50 per cent deposit for each job.  

That’s more than seven times the 6.5 per cent maximum allowed under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991, according to Building and Energy.

The regulator also said the five contracts had not been signed by both parties.

Further, the department said Antique then failed to comply with any order to repair driveway defects including cracks, slurry levelling and inconsistent colours and textures.

Antique Asset was fined $25,000 and Mr Demali $5,000 for ignoring the remedy orders, in addition to fines of $6,250 and $4,000 respectively for the excessive deposits and other contract breaches.

Compensation was also paid to an Ellenbrook homeowner as well as prosecution costs. 

Building and Energy and Consumer Protection previously issued a warning to consumers about Antique and director Mr Demali earlier this month.