Doc nip and tucked $59k

A DISGRACED Gold Coast cosmetic surgeon has been ordered to pay his builder more than $59,000 in outstanding bills for the construction of his $2.2 million Broadbeach mansion.

During the almost two-year dispute, builder David Radic Prestige Homes claimed Dr Ces Colagrande (above) paid $100,000 cash in a canvas bag.

Dr Colagrande, who was last year found guilty of sexual assault, confirmed yesterday he and his wife, Rebecca Colagrande, and his company, Anti-Ageing Pty Ltd, had appealed the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s decision for the builder to be paid $59,477 for variations made throughout the build.

“We will vigorously defend our position according to the law,” Dr Colagrande said.

The variations included adding the new roof deck on the three-storey mansion, which was designed by an architect.

QCAT documents show Mr Radic told the tribunal he was given legal advice that he had to hand the keys to the home to Dr Colagrande upon completion in December 2016, even if some payments were outstanding.

Mr Radic said at a handover meeting that Dr Colagrande warned them the only way they would see the money would be in court.

“He said, ‘we have lots of information about you. My father was on site all the time. He saw what went on here, we have lots of evidence, we will have a big counterclaim, my barristers will deal with you, and you won’t get a cent’,” Mr Radic told the tribunal.

He said Dr Colagrande still owed him more than $58,000, including for variations such as porcelain sheeting in the bathroom, additional plumbing, installation of insinkerators and new door vestibules.

Mr Radic said Dr Colagrande was adamant any information about the roof deck not be recorded and paid him $160,000 in cash instalments, including $100,000 in a canvas bag.

Dr Colagrande disputed the amount and said the variations had not been agreed. He told the tribunal that he paid Mr Radic $165,000 in cash but said he had never paid any of it in a canvas bag.

QCAT member David Paratz said no further cash was owed for the roof deck. But he said Dr Colagrade owed Mr Radic $58,235 for variations made and $1242 in interest.

Mr Radic’s wife and business partner, Natasha Radic, declined to comment.