Mount Druitt: 30 defects uncovered in inspection of newly-built 5-7 The Ave development

A major unit development in Sydney’s west has come under scrutiny from the building watchdog after 30 separate defects were discovered at the site including cracks and water leaks.

The developer of a recently-built unit development in Sydney’s west has been ordered to carry out rectification works after an inspection by the state’s building watchdog uncovered ‘serious defects’ at the site.

A building work rectification order has been issued by Fair Trading NSW to developer Soho (Mt. Druitt) Pty Ltd following an inspection of the six storey apartment building at 5-7 The Ave in Mount Druitt

An inspection of the building identified 30 separate defects that according to Fair Trading failed to comply with Australian building standards.

The defects included cracks on walls within multiple sections of the building including a stairwell, basement, and a lift shaft.

There were multiple defects relating to waterproofing including uncontrolled water ingress into a living area, and the building’s roof.

A photo of the development identified by Fair Trading. Picture: Google Maps.

Fair Trading also identified a car that was covered with a protective cloth to prevent calcite from dropping on the body of the car due to inadequate waterproofing works

Further defects were identified relating to fire safety standards including inadequate fire-resisting sealing and fire doors that were found to be hollow when tapped.

A large gap was also identified under a fire door.

Thirty defects were identified in the Fair Trading order.

Other defects included an inadequate installation of electrical components within the building. A steel column in a section of the building was also “highly corroded”.

Acting NSW Building Commissioner Elizabeth Stewart, who issued the order on December 14, has required all defects to be remediated within 180 days.

According to Fair Trading, the developer has provided a plan to remediate the defects identified however in some cases has “disagreed” with defects identified.

Ms Stewart said the rectification order would ensure the building meets compliance standards

The six storey development was approved in 2015.

“I accept that the order requires considerable further building work that is likely to be costly, and I give this consideration moderate weight.

“However, the cost to the developer must be balanced against the benefit to the occupiers in having the development constructed to the building code of Australia and Australian standards.”

Ms Stewart noted she was “aware that there are residents occupying” the building which may delay rectification work.

Planning records show the development was approved by the former Sydney West Joint Regional Planning Panel in 2015 and comprises 85 apartments.