THE CITY of Maribyrnong has been identified as a major hotspot for illegal building works.

A recent report by Archicentre, the building advisory body of the Australian Institute of Architects, reveals that of the several hundreds of properties inspected in the city, almost 50 per cent had illegal works carried out on them.

Archicentre’s “Reno Watch” records details of consumers who have been ripped off by dishonest or unregistered builders and contractors.

The report identifies Seddon as Maribyrnong’s dodgiest suburb, with 51 per cent of constructions deemed to be illegal, followed by Footscray with 48 per cent and Yarraville with 45, placing the city well above the state average of 30 per cent.

Archicentre general manager David Hallet said the data was compiled from about 20,000 pre-purchase inspections carried out in Victoria each year.

“It’s a big problem,” Mr Hallet said. “What we’re talking about is building work that clearly doesn’t comply with building regulations … so in all likelihood it was done with no permits or inspections whatsoever.”

Mr Hallet said some of the main offences involved internal alterations, such as removing walls, or unauthorised additions, such as rooms being added.

And in some cases these works posed a major safety risk.

“Imagine a case of a roof space or attic conversion that’s done with no regard for engineering or building permits whatsoever, that’s loaded up with furniture when clearly, it’s not designed to carry that load. It’s a very dangerous situation,” he said.

Mr Hallet said homeowners were often unaware that anything illegal was going on when they engaged builders to renovate.

“It’s sometimes only when a property goes on the market that some of this work comes to light,” he said.

Mr Hallet said he was uncertain why Maribyrnong had such a high proportion of illegal building but pointed to a traditional love of DIY among the city’s residents as a probable cause.

Mr Hallet warned homeowners to be vigilant, as dodgy works could expose them to some severe penalties.

He advised renovators to ensure they were dealing with registered contractors and that appropriate permits were taken out for all building works.

Archicentre will hold free public seminars for Maribyrnong residents in October. For details log on to www.archicentre.com.au

Have you been scammed by a dogdy builder? A contractor who took off before the renovations were done? Tell Star your story, on 9933 4800.