In a tale that underscores the vulnerability of consumers in the construction industry, a Perth woman's heartfelt endeavour to create a safe and comfortable space for her dementia-affected father ended in financial and emotional turmoil. Kerry Beake's story is a stark reminder of the risks involved in home renovations, especially when dealing with less-than-reputable builders.

Kerry's journey began with a noble cause: to renovate her house to accommodate her elderly father, who was suffering from dementia. She envisioned a granny flat where he could live with dignity and security, avoiding the need for aged care. However, her plans were derailed when the builder she hired, Peter John Edmonds of Buildwise Solutions, failed to deliver on his promises.

Perth woman Kerry Beake lost $132,573 after the builder's bankruptcy left her renovations unfinished and shoddy. Credit: Unsplash

The renovation project, which included converting a shed into a granny flat, upgrading the bathroom for safety, and transforming a carport into an office, turned into a two-year battle for compensation. The work was either incomplete or of such poor quality that it was unusable, and Kerry's father sadly passed away before he could benefit from the intended improvements.

The financial loss was staggering. Kerry was left $132,573 out of pocket after the builder declared bankruptcy, rendering the compensation awarded by the WA State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) unclaimable. The situation was exacerbated by the builder's failure to take out mandatory home indemnity insurance, which would have provided some financial protection against such an outcome.

Kerry's experience highlights a significant issue in consumer protection. 'I'd have more consumer protection if I bought a toaster from Aldi,' she lamented to Daily Mail Australia. The lack of a reliable system to check for serious complaints against builders in WA left her and many others vulnerable to what she describes as a scam.

The emotional toll on Kerry has been profound. Not only did she lose a substantial sum of money, but the stress and trauma of the ordeal have also overshadowed her ability to grieve her father's passing. The renovation that was supposed to bring her family comfort instead brought heartache and financial strain.

The aftermath of Kerry's story is a cautionary tale for all Australians considering home renovations. It's a reminder to thoroughly research and vet builders, insist on proper permits and insurance, and understand the risks involved. The construction industry can be fraught with 'cowboy builders,' and without adequate consumer protections, individuals can find themselves facing significant losses.

Kerry's plight has not gone unnoticed. She has reached out to government ministers, advocating for law changes that would offer greater protections for consumers. The paltry $2,000 fine levied against Mr Edmonds in court for his failure to secure home indemnity insurance adds insult to injury and underscores the need for more stringent regulations and consequences for builders who fail their clients.

As our members, many of whom may be considering renovations to accommodate changing family needs or to age in place, it's crucial to take Kerry's story to heart. Always ensure that any builder you engage is reputable, insured, and fully compliant with all legal requirements. And remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Key Takeaways

• Perth woman Kerry Beake has been left out of pocket by $132,573 after a builder went bankrupt, leaving her renovations incomplete and of poor quality.
• The renovations were meant to create a safe space for her dementia-affected father, who ultimately was never able to move in before his passing.
• Despite winning a compensation battle in the WA State Administrative Tribunal, Kerry will not receive any money due to the builder's bankruptcy.
• Kerry Beake's case highlights a need for better consumer protection against builders who fail to deliver on their services, an issue she is urging government ministers to address.

We at the Seniors Discount Club extend our deepest sympathies to Kerry Beake and her family. We also urge our readers to share their own experiences and advice on navigating home renovations safely and successfully. Your insights could help prevent another family from enduring a similar fate.

 

[Veggiepatch]

If I was Kerry Beake, one Paul John Edmonds would cease to exist.

 

[novezar]

Like all rogue operators, the're all out to absolutely rip everyone off the best way they can.

It helps when you know the builders or other tradies are of, &, exceptional good repute.

Probably better off getting one job completed before having anything else started. Only paying when the job is completed to your satisfaction.

If any tradie wants cash up front, tell that you don't want them to do the job, because that is certainly a RED FLAG that they are insolvent, &, to possibly rip you off bigtime, treating you as a complete sucker.

Good luck to all.

 

[marni]

Ask for previous jobs and actually go and look. If I was happy with a tradie I would certainly be happy to show potential customers. Do not rely on reviews.