Consumer Protection issues warning about Eco Sheds and Homes over almost $350,000 in unfulfilled orders

WA’s consumer watchdog has issued a warning over a shed business with more than $340,000 in unfulfilled orders.

Consumer Protection raised the alarm on March 2 over Eco Sheds and Homes, owned by Brian Douglas Trigg, which has racked up more than 20 consumer complaints in the past year alone — with most of the complaints being lodged in December 2021.

Twenty-three consumers in the Perth metropolitan area and Peel, Margaret River, Goldfields-Esperance and Great Southern regions say payments totalling $382,000 have been made to Mr Trigg but most of the sheds or patios ordered have not been supplied or installed.

Individual amounts being claimed by consumers range from $2386 to $63,893. A concrete subcontractor is claiming Mr Trigg has failed to pay invoices for several concrete pads worth about $35,000.

One customer in North Dandalup paid $37,216 upfront to Mr Trigg for a shed but never received a shed nor a refund.

Another customer in Waikiki put down a $6500 deposit for a shed with a total contract of $14,295. When the City of Rockingham rejected the consumer’s plans, Mr Trigg did not issue a refund of the deposit.

It’s understood just three customers have received partial deliveries or installations — the rest are still waiting.

Orders were made via ecoshedsandhomes.com.au, which was still operational at the time of publication.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake has advised consumers to avoid paying upfront to Eco Sheds and Homes.

“I am alarmed that Eco Sheds and Homes has taken a significant amount of money from numerous consumers but failed to supply most of the sheds or patios as promised,” Ms Blake said.

Ms Blake said investigations into the business were ongoing and if breaches of Australian Consumer Law were found, prosecution action may be taken.

“It’s concerning that many consumers paid the entire cost of purchasing and installing the sheds and patios upfront, leaving them vulnerable in situations like this when the work is not commenced or completed,” she said.

“Our recommendation is to pay a small deposit upfront and only pay the balance when the work is complete. For bigger jobs, payments can be made at various stages when certain work is completed or when materials are supplied.”

Consumer Protection WA urged anyone owed a refund for work not carried out to lodge a complaint.

Mr Trigg has been contacted for comment.