A local tradie has been fined $4500 after being convicted of three building service offences.
Emmanuel Lee Hutton, trading as Hutton’s Coatings, provided a quote for exterior painting works at a Singleton home valued at around $16,000 in March 2025.
Mr Hutton was not a registered painting contractor at the time which, under the Building Services Act 2011, is a requirement for painting work valued at over $1000.
He also advertised his painting services on social media which also requires a painting registration.
The court heard the homeowner accepted the invoice and paid a deposit of 50 per cent of the contract price in advance, far exceeding the maximum deposit of 6.5 per cent allowed under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991.
Mr Hutton never carried out the agreed painting work.
Building Commissioner Phil Payne encouraged consumers to check the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Online Licence Search before entering into a contract for painting services with a value exceeding $1000.
“Registration provides protections to consumers by ensuring painters have the appropriate qualifications and experience to take on the project, as well as being assessed as a fit and proper person,” Mr Payne said.
“The 6.5 per cent deposit limit also protects consumers by minimising their potential financial losses if a painter fails to start or adequately finish the job, as occurred in this case.”
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