Renovation contractor did shoddy work, can I use Small Claims Tribunal?

Went through the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) against a contractor, won, so here is how it really works. First, check eligibility: the SCT handles certain disputes like contracts for goods and services (which covers reno) up to a claim limit, and there is a time limit from when the issue arose, so don't sit on it. Consumer-to-business disputes qualify; check the current claim cap on the State Courts website. The beauty is you CANNOT bring a lawyer, so it stays cheap and simple, you represent yourself. Process: you file the claim online, pay a modest filing fee (scaled to claim amount), and it goes first to a consultation/mediation session where a referee tries to settle, many cases resolve here. If not, it goes to a tribunal hearing where you present your case to a magistrate. CRITICAL: bring evidence, the contract/quotation, all your payment records, WhatsApp messages showing you raised the defects and he ignored you, photos and videos of the shoddy work, and ideally an independent quote for the cost to rectify, that number anchors your claim. Be factual, not emotional. I got an order in my favour. If he still doesn't pay, there are enforcement steps. Document everything from now, it is your strongest weapon.