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Unregistered builder Steve Preston accused of leaving NSW customers out of pocket after past warnings - Grafton, NSW
Smart summary
An ABC investigation has found customers in regional New South Wales allege builder Steve Preston left projects unfinished and money owing, following previous regulatory action in WA, Queensland and NSW.
A builder with a history of regulatory warnings in several Australian states is facing fresh allegations from customers in New South Wales, with claims that unfinished construction projects have left people financially affected.
An ABC investigation reported that Steve Preston, who has operated under different names and business identities, has been offering building services including tiny homes and cabins in northern New South Wales. Customers claim they paid significant amounts of money but were left with incomplete work, construction issues and difficulties recovering funds.
One customer, Leigh Peters from Grafton, said he paid around $78,000 for two tiny homes intended for use at his motel business. He said the project initially appeared attractive due to the pricing and Preston’s presentation, but later concerns emerged about construction progress and quality.
Mr Peters told the ABC that after visiting the construction site, he became concerned about the standard of work, describing issues including poor finishes and incomplete sections. He later sought a refund and successfully obtained an order through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), but said he remained out of pocket after payments stopped.
Another customer, Chris Blewitt, said he paid tens of thousands of dollars for sheds and decking work near Batemans Bay but claimed the projects were not completed properly. He raised concerns about defects and said he later discovered Preston was not a registered builder.
The allegations come after previous action by building and consumer protection authorities in other states. According to the ABC, Western Australian authorities previously restricted Preston from representing himself as a registered builder after complaints about unregistered work and customer payments. Queensland authorities also issued warnings about dealing with him over alleged unlicensed building activity.
NSW authorities have encouraged anyone who believes they may have experienced building offences to lodge a complaint. The NSW Building Commission said unlicensed building work, excessive deposits and failures to meet insurance requirements can cause significant harm to consumers and may result in penalties or legal action.
The case highlights ongoing concerns within Australia's construction industry about consumer protection, especially when customers engage contractors for major projects without confirming registration, licences, insurance coverage and contract requirements.
Industry experts regularly advise homeowners and businesses to check builder licences, obtain detailed written contracts, avoid large upfront payments and ensure projects comply with local council approval requirements.
Tiny homes and alternative housing projects have become increasingly popular across regional Australia due to housing shortages and affordability pressures. However, authorities warn that consumers should apply the same checks used for traditional construction projects.
Steve Preston declined to comment to the ABC, citing pending legal matters. Investigations and complaints relating to building work remain ongoing.
The allegations have renewed discussion about the importance of stronger enforcement and better consumer awareness to prevent people from losing money through unsafe or unregulated building arrangements.
BuildingConstructionPrestonProjectsWork
A builder with a history of regulatory warnings in several Australian states is facing fresh allegations from customers in New South Wales, with claims that unfinished construction projects have left people financially affected.
An ABC investigation reported that Steve Preston, who has operated under different names and business identities, has been offering building services including tiny homes and cabins in northern New South Wales. Customers claim they paid significant amounts of money but were left with incomplete work, construction issues and difficulties recovering funds.
One customer, Leigh Peters from Grafton, said he paid around $78,000 for two tiny homes intended for use at his motel business. He said the project initially appeared attractive due to the pricing and Preston’s presentation, but later concerns emerged about construction progress and quality.
Mr Peters told the ABC that after visiting the construction site, he became concerned about the standard of work, describing issues including poor finishes and incomplete sections. He later sought a refund and successfully obtained an order through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), but said he remained out of pocket after payments stopped.
Another customer, Chris Blewitt, said he paid tens of thousands of dollars for sheds and decking work near Batemans Bay but claimed the projects were not completed properly. He raised concerns about defects and said he later discovered Preston was not a registered builder.
The allegations come after previous action by building and consumer protection authorities in other states. According to the ABC, Western Australian authorities previously restricted Preston from representing himself as a registered builder after complaints about unregistered work and customer payments. Queensland authorities also issued warnings about dealing with him over alleged unlicensed building activity.
NSW authorities have encouraged anyone who believes they may have experienced building offences to lodge a complaint. The NSW Building Commission said unlicensed building work, excessive deposits and failures to meet insurance requirements can cause significant harm to consumers and may result in penalties or legal action.
The case highlights ongoing concerns within Australia's construction industry about consumer protection, especially when customers engage contractors for major projects without confirming registration, licences, insurance coverage and contract requirements.
Industry experts regularly advise homeowners and businesses to check builder licences, obtain detailed written contracts, avoid large upfront payments and ensure projects comply with local council approval requirements.
Tiny homes and alternative housing projects have become increasingly popular across regional Australia due to housing shortages and affordability pressures. However, authorities warn that consumers should apply the same checks used for traditional construction projects.
Steve Preston declined to comment to the ABC, citing pending legal matters. Investigations and complaints relating to building work remain ongoing.
The allegations have renewed discussion about the importance of stronger enforcement and better consumer awareness to prevent people from losing money through unsafe or unregulated building arrangements.
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