The Building Services Board has found "deficient" and "inaccurate" building surveying work at two Wheatbelt locations had the capacity to mislead the Shire of Northam.
The Building Services Board has found "deficient" and "inaccurate" building surveying work at two Wheatbelt locations had the capacity to mislead the Shire of Northam.
The Board issued combined fines of $7,000 against Churchlands building surveying contractor Ritecert Pty Ltd (BSC2101) and its director, James Alan McLevie (BSP2152), for misleading conduct under WA's building registration laws.
According to information presented to the Board, Ritecert was engaged in 2023 to certify unauthorised building work at a Northam property, which included a change of classification for a non-habitable building to a games room, an extension to the existing dwelling and a carport.
An investigation by Building and Energy found Ritecert's certificate of building compliance, signed by Mr McLevie, failed to demonstrate how the unauthorised building work complied with the building standards that applied to the change of classification and other aspects.
Also in 2023, Ritecert issued a certificate of design compliance for a transportable building to be relocated and used as an office in Bakers Hill.
The certificate declared that the planned work would comply with applicable building standards, but a Building and Energy investigation found supporting documents failed to show compliance in several critical areas, including structural factors, wind loadings, drainage and fire safety.
The Board found the certificates for both properties were substandard and had the capacity to mislead the Shire of Northam when they were submitted as part of permit applications.
The Board noted Ritecert and Mr McLevie cooperated with the investigation and had no prior building disciplinary matters.
Building and Energy Executive Director Daniel Kearney said registered building surveyors must uphold the high standards expected of their role, as outlined in WA's Code of Conduct for building surveyors. It is incumbent on building surveyors to familiarise themselves with the code.
"A thorough and diligent approach is essential when building surveyors are certifying building plans and building work," Mr Kearney said.
"Their declarations are a key part of permit authorities' determination of building permits and occupancy permits. Any irregularities can affect the safety, health and amenity of building occupants.
"Action will be taken against service providers whose conduct falls short of the level of competence required."
