Consumers are being urged to always check the NSW Fair Trading website before they pay a deposit or sign a contract with tradespeople, businesses or companies to ensure the traders are properly licensed and operating within the law.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said a recent public warning was issued against Mr Trent Travis Reid who is understood to have offered roofing services without a licence.
"It's understood Mr Reid trades through business names including Transitions Roof Restorations, Toppride Roofing, Reids Roofing, Reids Roof Restoration, and Triple A Roofing and has used a business name registered to an unrelated person," Ms Mann said.
"Customers made several complaints to NSW Fair Trading against Mr Reid and accused him of damaging property, leaving his work in a defective or incomplete state and taking excessive deposits."
A licence is required for all specialist building work such as electrical, plumbing and air conditioning regardless of the cost. Further, a licence is required for all other residential work valued at more than $5,000. A deposit of no more than 10 per cent of the contract price can be requested before residential building work starts.
"These important cautions are provided to protect the people of NSW and minimise financial and material harm caused by individuals and businesses refusing to operate within the law.
"Always be aware when contacting tradespeople and check if they are licensed by visiting the NSW Fair Trading online register," Ms Mann said.
A public warning has also been issued for National Fire and Safety Pty Ltd and its sole company director, Mr Michael Robson, for offering and supplying fire protection services without the required Fire Protection Association of Australia (FPAA) accreditation.
Mr Robson's accreditation was suspended indefinitely by the FPAA in August 2021 but consumers complained that he continued to carry out Annual Fire Safety Statement assessments for buildings.
"NSW Fair Trading is committed to protecting consumers with the understanding most traders want to treat their customers fairly and comply with the law," Ms Mann said.
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