A single mother in Western Australia’s remote north faces over $10,000 in losses after a local builder delivered substandard renovations on her Derby home. The State Administrative Tribunal ruled the work defective and ordered repayment, yet the homeowner reports no funds received amid a regional housing crisis.
The Renovation Gone Wrong
In 2023, Sam Hall, a single mother in Derby—2,000 kilometers north of Perth—paid Stephen Keenan of Keenan Building and Maintenance more than $13,000 to update her aging laundry and spare bathroom. The project aimed to install tiled floors, new cabinetry, and a retiled shower in a classic old-style Derby house.
Initial satisfaction faded quickly. Within four to six weeks, grout began crumbling. Ms. Hall contacted Mr. Keenan, who promised fixes but never followed through. Drainage issues led to standing water 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,” Ms. Hall said. “He wouldn’t reply to me, no emails, nothing.”
A builder friend inspected by removing tiles, revealing a “mushy mess” of soaked gyprock used improperly beneath, with failed waterproofing.
Tribunal Finds Major Defects
Ms. Hall lodged a complaint with the building commissioner, uncovering issues like improper substrate, faulty waterproofing, and poor grouting. Mr. Keenan contested the findings, leading to a State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) hearing.
Without contradicting evidence from Mr. Keenan, the SAT deemed the work non-compliant with Australian standards. “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 tribunal ruled.
The order required Mr. Keenan to repay $9,970 for remedies by January 10, 2025, plus $1.64 daily interest. Absent from the hearing, he has not paid, and Ms. Hall reports failed contact attempts.
A magistrates’ court issued a debt enforcement order in his absence. In November 2025, an arrest warrant was authorized pending paperwork, but Ms. Hall has yet to locate him for service.
Personal and Financial Toll
Without a working shower, Ms. Hall and her teenage son relied on a backyard hose before vacating the property. The house stands empty nearly two years, amid Derby’s housing shortage, costing lost 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, the ordeal derailed plans to relocate to Broome for her son’s education, where she had secured a job and housing. “It’s really hard when you’re a separated mother on one income,” Ms. Hall explained.
Industry Pushes for Standards
Building and Energy reports 256 regional disputes since 2024, including 14 in the Kimberley. Master Builders WA CEO Matt Moran emphasizes professionalism, especially with WA’s housing needs.
“We need a strong industry, and it’s critical we have people who do the right thing, that look after consumers,” Moran stated. “It gives everyone a bad name. We don’t want dodgy builders in this industry.”
“The reality is there are issues in regional parts in WA. Ultimately, we need quality builders. We need to build more homes,” he added.
