Building and Energy has issued a reminder to consumers and tradespeople that painters in WA must be registered to carry out paid painting work valued at $1,000 or more.
According to the powers that be, painting regulation under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 aims to ensure the painter is adequately trained and experienced to do the work.
“Registration requirements include evidence of competence in the trade, a National Criminal History Check and being a fit and proper person,” the powers said.
Executive Director of Building and Energy, Saj Abdoolakhan said that another issue is that painting contracts were often not putting the arrangement in writing.
“Any type of building work, including painting, should always be agreed to in writing so both parties have clear expectations,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“When looking to contract a painter for work valued at $1,000 or more, check that they are registered,” he said.
“It is also advisable to gather at least three comparable quotes and seek out independent reviews and references, as well as familiarising yourself with key painting terminology.”
He said that for contracts over $7,500, consumers should also check that the painter complies with the provisions of the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 and does not ask for a deposit over the maximum amount of 6.5 per cent before the work begins.
Building and Energy has taken compliance action in the past four years, including fining a Cloverdale painter $3,000 and having his painting registrations cancelled because of incorrect or misleading information, including falsified references.
“A Perth tradeswoman was fined a total of $7,400 for entering into a building contract while not holding the required registrations, including a painting component valued at approximately $10,000,” it said.
“A fine of $4,000 was issued to a tradesman in Geraldton after he falsely presented himself as a registered painter and carried out painting work valued at $3,000, and a Joondanna tradesman also incorrectly claimed to be a registered painter and was fined $5,000 for offences including completing $8,800 worth of painting services at a Dianella home.”
Building and Energy has conducted 58 investigations into painting work in the past three years, with most resulting in warnings or education letters with 59 complaints so far this financial year.
Mr Abdoolakhan suggests readers visit the Building and Energy website for more information on lodging complaints about the quality of painting work or contractual issues.
Consumers can check the Register of Painters on Building and Energy’s website on this PS News link.
