Unlicensed Builder Faces Hefty Fines and Restitution Order in Ontario
Port McNicoll, Ontario – In a landmark case highlighting the importance of verifying builder credentials, Al-Leem Kassam, operating under the guise of Creative Design & Construction, has been found guilty of multiple offenses related to unlicensed building activities. The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) spearheaded the investigation following a consumer complaint, ultimately leading to Kassam’s conviction for building without a license, misrepresenting himself as a licensed builder, and defying a compliance order. The resulting penalties include a substantial $75,000 fine and a restitution order of $194,122, intended to compensate the homeowners who fell victim to Kassam’s fraudulent practices.
The case originated from a 2021 incident in Port McNicoll, where Kassam abandoned a project mid-construction, leaving the homeowners with a devastating financial loss approaching $200,000. The unsuspecting homeowners had hired Kassam based on his advertisements, unaware that he was operating illegally and falsely showcasing a home he hadn’t even built as an example of his work. The HCRA’s investigation uncovered a pattern of incompetence, persistent delays, blatant disregard for health and safety regulations, and the engagement of substandard contractors. This case underscores the critical need for consumers to exercise due diligence and confirm the legitimacy of builders before entering into any agreements.
The HCRA emphasizes the crucial role of licensing in safeguarding consumers and their investments. Wendy Moir, CEO and Registrar of the HCRA, stresses that licensed new home builders must adhere to stringent qualifications established through the HCRA’s licensing process, ensuring a minimum standard of competence and ethical conduct. Unlicensed builders, like Kassam, bypass these safeguards, putting consumers at significant risk of shoddy workmanship, financial losses, and potential safety hazards. The HCRA’s mandate is to protect consumers from unscrupulous operators and maintain the integrity of the homebuilding industry.
Under Ontario law, all individuals and companies involved in building or selling new homes are required to be licensed by the HCRA. This includes anyone who presents themselves as a builder or seller, regardless of advertising claims. Consumers are urged to exercise caution and not rely solely on advertisements as proof of legitimacy. A vital first step in selecting a reputable builder is to consult the Ontario Builder Directory, a comprehensive resource containing licensing information and other relevant details for over 7,000 builders and sellers across the province. The absence of a builder from this directory is a strong indicator of potential illegal operation.
The HCRA is committed to combating illegal building activities and holding offenders accountable. Moir emphasizes the seriousness with which the HCRA treats such violations, stating that those who flout the law will face significant consequences. The organization actively investigates complaints and pursues legal action to protect consumers and ensure compliance with industry regulations. The Kassam case serves as a stark reminder of the potential ramifications of engaging with unlicensed builders and reinforces the HCRA’s dedication to upholding professional standards within the homebuilding sector.
The Home Construction Regulatory Authority plays a vital role in regulating and licensing individuals and companies engaged in the construction and sale of new homes in Ontario. The organization’s primary objective is to enforce high professional standards, encompassing both competence and conduct, within the homebuilding industry. This provides new home buyers with a degree of confidence in one of the most substantial financial transactions of their lives. The HCRA also ensures consistency and fairness across the sector, effectively curbing unethical and illegal building practices. By upholding these standards and pursuing legal action against offenders, the HCRA contributes significantly to consumer protection and maintains the overall integrity of the Ontario homebuilding market. The organization’s commitment to licensing, compliance, and enforcement provides a framework of trust and accountability, ensuring a level playing field for legitimate builders and safeguarding the interests of homebuyers.