A-List Couple Accused of Shortchanging Builder in $3.2 Million Renovation
A well-known Sydney builder has filed a legal claim against an A-list couple, alleging they shortchanged him during a $3.2 million renovation of their luxury home. The property, located directly across from Balmoral Beach in Mosman, is at the center of this dispute.
James Watkin, owner of Jakin Constructions, claims that racing heiress Kate Waterhouse and her NRL star husband, Luke Ricketson, owe him $161,000 for work completed on their mansion. The couple purchased the house in 2020 for $17.8 million, which was one of the highest sales in the exclusive suburb that year.
In a statement of claim submitted to the NSW District Court, Mr. Watkin alleges that the couple refused to pay the remaining balance after settling all their previous invoices. He says no issues were raised during the renovation, and there were no complaints about the quality of the work.
The couple hired Jakin Constructions in 2024 to build a new pool and renovate the interior of their home. A Google Maps image of the property shows the front fence covered with Jakin-branded cladding, indicating the ongoing nature of the works.
Mr. Ricketson, a former Sydney Roosters legend, told the Daily Telegraph: “We’ve been overcharged and we’ll be defending the matter. We’re fair people.” His lawyer, Matt Hourn, added that the couple is willing to pay for the work done but had obtained expert auditing advice regarding the fees charged by Jakin.
According to Mr. Hourn, the audit raised concerns about whether the costs invoiced were in line with the contract. After raising these issues with Jakin, the auditor remained unsatisfied with the explanations provided, leading to the current court case.
Mr. Watkin insists that the couple had no complaints during the renovation and only raised the issue after engaging lawyers. He denies the allegations and states that there is a clear basis for his invoices to be paid.
The couple has not yet filed a defense, and the case is still pending. Daily Mail has reached out to both Ms. Waterhouse and Mr. Watkin for further comment.
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