The shortage of skilled construction workers is creating ideal conditions for cowboys.

Andrew Maloney has been ordered by Christchurch District Court to pay $10,000 in fines, and another $3000 in reparations, for falsely claiming to be a licensed builder.

Newstalk ZB's Resident Builder, Pete Wolfkamp told Rachel Smalley it's not the first case and it won't be the last.

He said it pays to do a few simple checks before hiring someone.

"The system is delightfully transparent in the sense that anyone can search the register and it's really, really simple - you're either on the list or your not."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PETE WOLFKAMP SPEAKS WITH RACHEL SMALLEY