TORONTO – Following an investigation by the (HCRA), Al-Leem Kassam, operating as , has been convicted of building without a licence, presenting himself as a licensed builder and failing to comply with a compliance order.
He has been fined $75,000 and ordered to pay $194,122 in restitution to the homeowners impacted by his unlawful conduct.
The convictions stem from a consumer complaint regarding a project Kassam abandoned in Port McNicoll in 2021, leaving purchasers with a financial loss of nearly $200,000, states an HCRA release.
The homeowners hired Kassam after seeing one of his advertisements.
The HCRA’s investigation revealed that Kassam’s work was allegedly marred by incompetence, delays, lack of health and safety measures and subpar contractors, the release continues.
“It’s crucial to verify that the builder you’re working with is properly licensed to protect both yourself and your investment,” advised Wendy Moir, the HCRA’s Chief Executive Officer and registrar, in a statement. “New homebuilders must meet specific qualifications through the HCRA’s licensing process. Unlicensed builders have not proven they meet these standards, which can lead to risks, including poor quality construction.”
An important first step in selecting a reputable builder is to check the . If a builder is not listed, there is a strong likelihood they are operating illegally.
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