Errant builders have racked up more than $21,000 worth of fines with the state's building watchdog, with the number of violations more than tripling over three years.
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A total of 18 infringements were handed out by CBOS (Consumer, Building and Occupational Services), this financial year, totalling $21,411, under various pieces of building-related legislation.
This amount is five times higher than it was three years ago, with just four infringements handed out in 2018 worth more than $4000, and three infringements handed out in 2019 totalling more than $6000.
The upward figures can be related to growth in the state's construction industry.
Recent CBOS records show a total of 296 complaints and enquiries made by consumers to date, with the main issues being defective or poor workmanship, and contractual issues such as variations or demands for payment.
The latest number of prosecutions were not yet available, but two prosecutions against builders were made in 2018 which resulted in $22,500 worth of fines, and in 2019 three prosecutions were made, totalling $17,000 in fines.
A justice department spokesman said a majority of complaints and enquiries made to CBOS are resolved without the need for compliance action.
He said CBOS provides advice and assistance to complainants about their rights and how to resolve disputes.
The infringements occur under the Occupational Licensing Act 2005, the Building Act 2016 and the Residential Building Work Contracts and Dispute Resolution Act 2016.
Housing Industry Association's Stuart Collins has said there are many checks and balances in place to prevent wayward builders.
