The Building Services Board has found a Singleton builder failed to inform clients about altered plans before constructing a granny flat with a smaller floor area and an extra car bay to meet council requirements.
The Board fined Prestige Renovations and Granny Flats Pty Ltd (BC104390) $5,000 for negligent conduct, which is a disciplinary matter under WA’s building registration laws.
Information presented to the Board showed Prestige was contracted in 2023 to construct an 89.6sqm granny flat at a Singleton property.
The City of Rockingham initially refused Prestige’s building application because the proposed plans did not comply with the residential design code (R-Code) for detached ancillary dwellings.
The company altered the plans to comply with R-Code requirements. These changes included a reduced internal floor area of 79.86sqm, a bigger verandah, different window structures and an additional car bay. However, the homeowners were unaware of the altered plans until the granny flat was built five months later.
The Board found Prestige’s conduct was negligent because it failed to inform the owners that the revised R-Code application involved significant structural changes.
The Board noted Prestige had reached a conciliation agreement with the homeowners. The company also cooperated with the investigation, had no prior building enforcement matters and advised it had since improved client communication processes.
Building Commissioner Phil Payne said the case should remind registered building contractors of their responsibilities.
“The builder was solely responsible for notifying the owners about the changes and its conduct was inconsistent with contractual obligations and accepted industry standards,” Mr Payne said.
“Contracts and any amendments must be signed by all parties and verbal agreements must be documented in writing.”
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Media contact: BEmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au
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