Consumers are urged not to do business with Perth-based concreting company Antique Asset Pty Ltd, which trades as Antique Asset Concrete (AAC) with Sergio Demali as the sole director and company secretary.
The warning from WA’s building industry regulator, Building and Energy, and Consumer Protection follows multiple customer complaints about the business as recently as January 2022.
Building and Energy has received eight home building contractual complaints and six workmanship complaints from home owners about AAC.
Four building remedy orders and one State Administrative Tribunal order have been issued, but the company has not complied with any of them.
Consumer Protection has received 32 complaints from people who engaged AAC for residential concreting projects. Most complaints relate to no work being done despite deposits of up to 50 per cent being paid. Consumer Protection has attempted to conciliate complaints, but AAC has not responded to the majority of complaints raised.
Building and Energy has liaised with trade finder websites to exclude listings by AAC, although the company appears to still be advertising independently.
Building and Energy Executive Director Saj Abdoolakhan urged home owners to avoid AAC and instead engage a reputable service provider.
“The volume and nature of the complaints related to this business should be a red flag for consumers,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“Although our investigations are continuing, it is vital that we put the spotlight on this company now to warn people about the alleged conduct.
“Home owners should also avoid paying large deposits for projects. By law, a fixed-price home building work contract between $7,500 and $500,000 cannot include a deposit of more than 6.5 per cent of the total cost, prior to work commencing.”
Executive Director for Consumer Protection Trish Blake also holds serious concerns about this trader’s conduct.
“Until the consumer complaints are resolved and we are confident that the behaviour of Mr Demali and his concrete business improves, we would urge consumers not to engage with Antique Asset Concrete and consider other options,” Ms Blake said.
“Under the Australian Consumer Law, it’s illegal to accept a deposit for agreed work and then fail to begin or complete that work within a reasonable time.
“When engaging tradespeople, consumers should agree to a timeframe and preferably get it in writing along with a detailed quote. Don’t pay large deposits and never pay the full amount until the work is complete.”
Consumers are invited to report information about AAC’s conduct to Building and Energy (1300 489 099 or be.info@demirs.wa.gov.au) or Consumer Protection (1300 304 054 or consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au).
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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au
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