Kassiou Constructions hit with record fine for invoicing unfinished work over 15 years

·

Darwin company Kassiou Constructions has been slapped with a record fine of $94,200 after admitting to invoicing customers for incomplete building work over a 15-year period.

The company, owned by Louis and Ilias Kassiou, was investigated by the Northern Territory’s Building Practitioners Board of Inquiry (BPBI) following an audit of five home construction projects between 2021 and 2023.

The audit revealed that Kassiou Constructions billed clients for the completion of the frame stage of the project, despite the work being unfinished. In four of the cases, the company invoiced customers prematurely for work that was not completed on time. The frame stage was never completed in two of these builds.

The BPBI concluded that Kassiou “failed to complete the building works in accordance with the due date of their contracts and caused significant financial loss to the owners.”

The company was also found to have completed work that did not align with building permits, and its practice of billing for unfinished stages violated regulations that prohibit payments before work is completed.

Photo: ABC News / Dane Hirst.

The inquiry highlighted that it is a standard expectation for the building frame to be fully completed—walls, floors, and roof—before payment is made for the frame stage. The BPBI noted that Kassiou Constructions appeared to have adopted unlawful shortcuts to building practices over time.

The audit also revealed that Kassiou Constructions did not apply for necessary changes to building permits before making structural amendments, a practice deemed unacceptable for a licensed building practitioner in the NT.

While Louis did not attend the hearings or respond to inquiries, co-director Ilias cooperated with the investigation, claiming the company only issued invoices after the block work was completed. Ilias also argued that the regulations do not specifically define when the frame stage is completed.

The BPBI has recommended that Ilias undergo supervision to ensure compliance with building regulations. Kassiou Constructions’ registration, along with Louis’, was suspended in June after failing to meet re-registration requirements. The company has since removed its website and is now listed as permanently closed.

Source: Daily Mail.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Victorian government launches Anti-Hate Taskforce after wave of antisemitic attacks

A man has been charged in connection with an alleged arson attack on a historic synagogue in East Melbourne.

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

You May Also Like

Greek Community leaders participate in virtual meeting with PM Scott Morrison

“I’m incredibly proud of the way Australia’s multicultural communities have come together in a focused and practical way to help get our country through this pandemic,” Morrison said.

Deputy Opposition Leader and VIC Health Minister attend South Melbourne FC match

Victoria's Deputy Opposition Leader, Richard Marles, and Health Minister, Martin Foley, attended the South Melbourne FC match.

Increase in flood related deaths in Greece

Fatalities resulting from flash floods are on the rise in Greece, according to a new survey which points to an increase in annual deaths.