A single mother in Western Australia’s remote north faces over $10,000 in losses after a local builder delivered defective renovations on her Derby home. The State Administrative Tribunal ruled the work substandard and ordered repayment of nearly $10,000, yet homeowner Sam Hall reports no payment received.

The Renovation Gone Wrong

In 2023, Ms Hall paid Stephen Keenan of Keenan Building and Maintenance more than $13,000 to update the laundry and spare bathroom in her aging Derby property, located 2,000 kilometers north of Perth.

“It was a really old-style laundry, typical Derby old house,” Ms Hall explained. “I wanted the floor tiled, new cabinetry, the shower retiled, all the basics, which is what he did do, but it all went downhill after that.”

Initial satisfaction faded quickly. Within four to six weeks, grout began crumbling. Ms Hall contacted Keenan, who promised fixes but took no action. Drainage issues led to poor water flow and a persistent foul odor from the shower.

“Over time, there was a stench, and I put it down to the pipes not being used for a while … and it got to nearly December and I couldn’t stand it anymore,” she said. “He wouldn’t reply to me, no emails, nothing.”

A builder friend inspected by removing tiles, revealing a “mushy mess” of soaked gyprock beneath— an improper substrate that trapped water and failed waterproofing standards.

Tribunal Finds Work Defective

Ms Hall lodged a complaint with the building commissioner, uncovering multiple defects: faulty substrate, inadequate waterproofing, and improper grouting. Keenan contested the findings, leading to a hearing at the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).

Keenan provided no counter-evidence. The tribunal ruled: “We conclude the respondent failed to carry out the building service in a proper and proficient manner and the same is faulty and unsatisfactory.” The work violated Australian standards.

SAT ordered Keenan to repay $9,970 for remedies by January 10, 2025, plus $1.64 daily interest thereafter. He skipped the judgment, and Ms Hall has had no contact or funds since.

Legal Pursuit Continues

A magistrates’ court issued a debt payment order in Keenan’s absence, but serving papers proved impossible. In November 2025, the court approved an arrest warrant pending paperwork, though none has issued as Ms Hall cannot locate him.

Heavy Personal Impact

Without a working shower, Ms Hall and her teenage son relied on a backyard hose before vacating the home. The property sits empty nearly two years amid a regional housing shortage, costing her rental income.

“It’s a shame because I can’t live here and I can’t rent the house out, so it’s been sitting here empty for nearly two years now,” she said. “I’ve lost a lot of income.”

Draining her savings derailed plans to relocate to Broome for her son’s education. “It’s really hard when you’re a separated mother on one income,” Ms Hall noted. “I had actually planned to move to Broome for my son’s education. I had a job lined up, had accommodation—so everything is stuffed up because of all this.”

Industry Pushes for Change

Building and Energy reports 256 disputes in regional Western Australia since 2024, including 14 in the Kimberley.

Master Builders WA CEO Matt Moran emphasized professionalism: “We need a strong industry, and it’s critical we have people who do the right thing, that look after consumers. It gives everyone a bad name. We don’t want dodgy builders in this industry.”

With housing shortages acute, Moran stressed: “The reality is there are issues in regional parts in WA. Ultimately, we need quality builders. We need to build more homes.”