A father and son have been fined a combined $25,000 for running afoul of building rules, including working on sites without permits.
Alan Bradley Mason and Luke David Mason ran Ranlak Pty Ltd — which was liquidated in September 2021 — but regulators Building and Energy said the pair had engaged in “improper conduct”.
Ranlak worked on a property in Shenton Park despite a building order prohibiting activity, according to facts agreed at a State Administrative Tribunal mediation.
The business worked on three projects without building permits and indemnity insurance — required for work valued at more than $20,000. Ranlak’s indemnity eligibility was paused in December 2020 over financial issues.
The builder misled the City of Subiaco into granting a building permit by providing an amended document which gave the impression Ranlak had a valid insurance policy, according to the SAT facts.
Ranlak also engaged in unconscionable conduct by asking for payments for work on two houses before completion.
Building and Energy said the Masons’ had shown genuine remorse, admitted fault, and assisted with the investigations.
COVID-19 was also a mitigating factor, and the builders had a lack of prior issues.
Building and Energy executive director Saj Abdoolakhan said builders needed to uphold their responsibilities despite challenges.
“It is unacceptable to carry out work without the required building permits and, in one case, when a stop-work order was in place,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“This undermines the community safety principles at the heart of our building approvals processes.
“Likewise, operating without home indemnity insurance and accepting payments when the work hasn’t been done, or is unlikely to be completed, puts home owners at significant financial risk if issues do occur.”