A single mother in Western Australia’s remote north faces over $10,000 in losses after hiring a local builder for home renovations that a tribunal deemed defective. The State Administrative Tribunal ordered Stephen Keenan of Keenan Building and Maintenance to repay $9,970, but Sam Hall reports receiving no payment to date.
Renovation Project Turns Sour
In 2023, Sam Hall paid more than $13,000 to renovate the laundry and spare bathroom in her Derby home, located 2,000 kilometers north of Perth. The property, an older-style house typical of the area, needed basic updates including tiled floors, new cabinetry, and a retiled shower.
Initially satisfied, Ms Hall soon discovered issues. Within four to six weeks, grout began crumbling. “I rang him, and he said he’d fix it, but he never did anything,” she said. Drainage problems led to poor water flow and a persistent foul odor from the shower.
Hidden Defects Exposed
By December, the stench became unbearable. A builder friend inspected the work by removing tiles, revealing a “mushy mess” underneath. The builder had used gyprock as substrate under the tiles, with improper waterproofing that allowed constant soaking.
Ms Hall lodged a complaint with the building commissioner, who identified multiple faults: inadequate substrate, faulty waterproofing, and defective grouting. Mr Keenan contested the findings, leading to a hearing at the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
The tribunal ruled the work defective and non-compliant with Australian standards, as Mr Keenan provided no contradicting evidence. “The respondent failed to carry out the building service in a proper and proficient manner, and the same is faulty and unsatisfactory,” the SAT concluded. It ordered repayment of $9,970 by January 10, 2025, plus $1.64 daily interest until paid.
Enforcement Challenges Persist
Mr Keenan did not attend the judgment. A magistrates’ court later ordered payment in his absence, but Ms Hall could not serve papers due to lack of contact. In November 2025, the court approved an arrest warrant pending paperwork, yet none has issued as Ms Hall cannot locate him.
Personal and Financial Toll
Without a functional shower, Ms Hall and her teenage son relied on a backyard hose before vacating the property. The house has stood empty for nearly two years amid a regional housing shortage, costing her significant rental income.
“It’s really hard when you’re a separated mother on one income,” Ms Hall said. She depleted her savings on the project, derailing plans to relocate to Broome for her son’s education, where she had secured a job and housing.
Industry Responds to Regional Disputes
Records from WA Building and Energy show 256 building disputes in regional areas since 2024, with 14 in the Kimberley. Master Builders WA CEO Matt Moran emphasizes the need for professionalism amid housing shortages.
“We need a strong industry with people who do the right thing and look after consumers,” Mr Moran stated. “It gives everyone a bad name. We don’t want dodgy builders.” He calls for more quality builders to address regional challenges and increase home construction.
