Building watchdog order defects to be fixed at newly built Watermark development at Mulkarra Ave, Gosford

A newly-built waterfront apartment development has come under scrutiny from the state’s building watchdog after more than 30 separate defects were discovered at the site. See the list here.

A photo of the development identified by building watchdog inspectors.

The developer of a newly-built Central Coast apartment building has been ordered to carry out rectification works after an inspection by the state’s building watchdog uncovered more than 30 defects at the site.

A building work rectification order has been issued by Fair Trading NSW to developer Alset Design & Development Pty Ltd following an inspection of the ‘Watermark’ apartment tower at 5 Mulkarra Ave in Gosford.

The inspection identified a total of 38 separate defects that according to Fair Trading failed to comply with Australian building standards.

The defects included uncontrolled cracking in the concrete slab of the building’s basement which Fair Trading stated has caused “degradation in the concrete”.

Uncontrolled cracking of up to 4mm was also found in the building’s rooftop slabs and soffits.

Multiple defects identified by Fair Trading related to inadequate waterproofing works including water ingress through windows and water staining on window frames in multiple units of the development.

Fair Trading inspectors also identified balconies that did not have adequate drainage, resulting in an accumulation of excess water.

In an external common area, waterproofing membranes on planter boxes were found by Fair Trading inspectors to be cracked and damaged.

Fire safety was another issue of concerns identified in the inspection report including a lack of smoke detectors in habitable areas.

In an internal common area, fire door frames were hollow when tapped

NSW Assistant Building Commissioner Elizabeth Stewart, who issued the order on March 21, has required all defects to be remediated within 120 days to ensure the building meets compliance standards.

“I accept that the order requires considerable further building work that is likely to be costly,” she said.

“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.”

The development is currently occupied by residents and is advertised as offering “beautifully presented” apartments with breathtaking water views.