An unlicensed landscaper has gone bust angering clients who claim they were still waiting for work to begin at their property despite paying large deposits a year ago.
Adelaide-based 111 Earthworks and Landscapes was placed into liquidation last Thursday by the builder who ran the company, Joshua Jones.
A disabled war veteran on a pension and a new mother with a baby are among the customers who claim they were still waiting for work to begin on their project despite paying a deposit 12 months ago.
Other customers claimed they were forced to hire other contractors after they were left disappointed by the ‘inadequate’ job Mr Jones’s company had carried out.
Elise Mac paid a $14,500 to 111 Earthworks and Landscapes for fencing work that wasn’t completed. The landscaping firm has now been placed in liquidation
A retired pensioner, Margaret Hodson, hired 111 Earthworks and Landscapes to do work around her swimming pool and to put a fence in her front yard. The fencing work was never done. Pictured, Mr Jones’s digger working beside Ms Hodson’s swimming pool
Adelaide-based 111 Earthworks and Landscapes, was placed in liquidation last Thursday by the unlicensed builder who ran it, Joshua Jones. Pictured, previous work done by his company
In one case a young mum, Elise Mac paid a $14,500 deposit to 111 Earthworks and Landscapes for fencing work that wasn’t started, news.com.au reported.
The mum was under huge stress having had six miscarriages and completing four rounds of IVF before she finally gave birth.
The lost money and potential legal action over it was the last thing she needed.
‘Instead of cherishing my long awaited pregnancy, I’ve had the stress of losing a huge amount of money at a time it’s desperately needed,’ Ms Mac said.
In another instance, Margaret Hodson, 63, a disabled pensioner was left $9,500 out of pocket waiting for a fence to be built around her front yard.
‘We thought he was a straight-up guy,’ Ms Hodson said.
Ms Hodson also hired Mr Jones to level the ground around her swimming pool.
Acting SA consumer affairs commissioner Fraser W Stroud said the government watchdog received several complaints about the practices of Mr Jones’ company.
‘These are often substantial amounts of money being paid for work that was either never started or will require significant remedial works,’ acting consumer affairs commissioner Fraser W Stroud said in a statement.
In another instance, Margaret Hodson, 63, a disabled pensioner was left $9500 out of pocket waiting for a fence to be built around her front yard
Acting SA consumer affairs commissioner Fraser W Stroud said the government watchdog received several complaints about the practices of Mr Jones’ company. Pictured, previous work done by his company
‘An issue of concern is that this individual does not hold a valid builder’s licence,’ he said.
‘Based on the information we have received to date, I feel it is only proper to issue a public warning, as our investigations into this trader continue.’
There are no prosecutions pending against Mr Jones or his company.
The liquidator appointed to sell 111 Earthworks and Landscapes’ assets is Mark Lieberenz of Heard Phillips Lieberenz.
Trading conditions have been notoriously difficult for businesses in the building industry for the past two years right across Australia, with an average of two companies in that industry going bust each day.
South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services revealed Mr Jones was unlincensed after releasing a warning about the landscaper in early July.
‘I cannot stress the importance of checking the register to ensure that the individual you’re dealing with is licensed to do the job you’re considering hiring them for,’ Mr Stroud said.
‘I would also urge any consumers who have dealt with this individual who have not contacted us already to do so on 131 882.’
Daily Mail Australia contacted 111 Earthworks and Landscapes for comment.
