Builder slugged with hefty fine

A SWANBOURNE home’s defects have landed Perth-based builder Theodoros Sartzidis a $83,000 fine and a caution for unauthorised work.

The Building Services Board found Mr Sartzidis was negligent when he did work without a permit that was different from plans.

“All registered builders must meet their obligations and responsibilities, including ensuring a valid building permit is in place at all times during the project and that any changes to the plans have been authorised,” board assistant executive director Saj Abdoolakhan said.

On his website, Mr Sartzidis said 20 years of building he specialised in “million dollar-plus” projects and office and shop fit-outs where he listened clients, who all became “close friends”.

Mr Abdoolakhan said the caution was issued because of Mr Sartzidis being fined more than $9000 over a building permit issue at Perth Magistrates Court in 2015, and being ordered to pay $74,000 in rectification and legal costs for a workmanship complaint in 2016.

The $800,000 Swanbourne project started in 2012.

It comprised a demolition and building a two-storey house with a Nedlands Council permit lasting until July, 2014.

Mr Abdoolakhan said Mr Sartzidis continued to work at the site after the permit had finished.

Mr Abdoolakhan said 10 areas of unauthorised work, including retaining walls, paving and skylights, were found when the council issued a stop-work order.

Another builder completed the job, before retrospective approval was granted by the council.