WA builder's registration revoked, leaving hundreds of unfinished homes

WA Builder Nicheliving isn’t going under without a fight after its registration was revoked.

Customers were told the builder would appeal a decision blocking homeowners’ claims for compensation.

Nicheliving’s Rhonni El-Haj has lost his building license.

“Based on the info provided by the company the board could not be satisfied the company could pay its debts,” Building Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan said.

More than 230 homes are unfinished, with owners finally entitled to claim insurance of up to $200,000 each.

But today, those who tried were blocked.

“They said they are looking at contacting QBE and telling them not to process any indemnity insurance claims,” customer Nelson said.

“They’re going to be issuing an appeal to the state tribunal and asking for a stay on the decision as well.”

His nightmare started four years ago.

His Orelia home sits almost finished, but work has stalled for two years.

The young father has been denied access to his own building documents

Niche is now the fifth WA builder to lose its license in the past 18 months.

The building commission says that’s more than normal, but nothing to panic about.

Premier Rodger Cook blamed the pandemic.

“This is a result of that extreme period of imbalance after COVID,” he said.

“We are now getting through that period.

“This is another chapter as part of that process.” 

Nicheliving was contacted for comment.