Clients of Buildsmart WA Pty Ltd are advised to contact home indemnity insurance (HII) provider QBE after the State Administrative Tribunal affirmed a Building Services Board decision to refuse to renew the company’s registration on financial grounds.
The Board was not satisfied that Buildsmart WA (BC14457) met the financial requirements for registration set out in the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011.
The Tribunal affirmed the Board’s decision on 31 July 2026 and Buildsmart WA’s registration is now cancelled.
Building Commissioner Phil Payne said homeowners with incomplete or defective work under contracts with Buildsmart WA should contact QBE to discuss HII claims and arrangements for another builder to take on projects.
“Buildsmart WA could not demonstrate the capacity to meet its debts as and when they fall due,” Mr Payne said.
“The Tribunal’s decision, reached after hearing extensive financial and expert evidence, confirmed the Board's initial assessment and decision.
“Financial requirements protect consumers and bolster confidence in WA’s building and construction industry. This outcome should remind every WA registered builder that financial requirements will be applied rigorously at renewal.
“Registration renewal is not a rubber stamp. Builders must be able to demonstrate, with accurate, complete and timely financial information, that they have the means to complete their building contracts and pay their debts as and when they fall due.
“Importantly, the Tribunal’s decision confirms that the cost to complete unfinished projects is highly relevant in determining whether a building contractor meets the financial requirements for registration.”
Buildsmart WA was first registered as a building contractor in 2014 and is understood to have around a dozen building projects still in progress.
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Media contact: BEmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au
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