NSW Building Commission blitz uncovers defects in residential buildings across NSW
Hundreds of defects have been identified in developments across NSW, including homes with cracks, water leaks and inadequate fire safety measures. See the full list of properties.
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Cracks, water leaks, and inadequate fire safety measures are among a litany of defects that have been identified in apartment buildings across NSW as part of a compliance blitz by the state’s construction watchdog.
A total of 13 buildings across NSW have been issued with rectification orders since November, including one Sydney development containing 60 separate defects.
The rectification orders, issued by the NSW Building Commission, require developers to carry out remediation works within set deadlines to ensure the buildings meet Australian Building Standards.
The majority of defects identified in the orders relate to inadequate waterproofing works, fire safety standards and structural elements of buildings.
The crackdown coincides with NSW Government figures showing about 1400 buildings have been inspected for defects across NSW since last year.
Newly appointed NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said inspections were partly aimed at “supporting protection” for building owners.
“There is a housing shortage in NSW and we need to play our part meeting important housing targets without compromising on quality,” Mr Sherrard said.
“We will continue to get on with the job to restore industry integrity and give NSW residents peace of mind that their home is safe and secure.”
Below is the list of buildings issued with rectification orders which have been published by Fair Trading NSW since November this year.
58 BOLTON ST, NEWCASTLE
Thirty-one defects were identified at the residential apartment development relating to waterproofing, fire safety, building essential services, and structural systems of the building.
An inspection report stated defects included uncontrolled cracking in the basement slabs of the building, and “substantial corrosion” to sections of wall cladding in various locations of the development.
Fair Trading stated other defects included insufficient insulation on hot water pipework, and uncontrolled external water ingress around light fittings in a common area of the development.
51-53A BALMORAL ST, WAITARA
Forty-two defects were identified at the residential apartment development relating waterproofing, fire safety, building essential services, and structural systems of the building.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated defects included cracking in the concrete of the basement which has resulted in water leaking to the floor below, and uncontrolled water ingress evident within the building’s fire stairs.
Ponding of water was also observed within balconies of the building, with a number of drainage outlets deemed inadequate, according to Fair Trading.
The inspection report stated other defects included fire hydrant pipework installed throughout the basement levels and not protected against damage by fire.
1-5 URUNGA PARADE, MIRANDA
Fourteen defects were identified at the residential apartment development relating to waterproofing, fire safety, and structural systems of the building.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated defects included incorrect installation of waterproofing in a section of the building, and an absence of a water stop to the entrance of a bathroom.
According to Fair Trading, an inspection of a master bedroom wardrobe showed the concrete floor was wet as a result of the shower being used.
3 NETWORK PL, NORTH RYDE
Sixty defects were identified at the residential apartment development relating to structural systems, waterproofing, fire safety and building enclosures.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated defects included “uncontrolled external water ingress” through an opening adjacent to the carpark area, and uncontrolled cracking of 2mm to 4mm in the basement slabs and soffits of the building.
According to Fair Trading, other defects included a horizontal floor surface on the roof which did not have adequate slope to the drainage systems, causing an “accumulation of excess water throughout the area”.
24 COLLEGE AVE, SHELLHARBOUR
Four defects were identified at the residential apartment development, including some relating to fire safety and building enclosures.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated defects including rooftop construction works which had “not been completed according to the approved plans”.
The order stated: “The framework has been left in an unfinished state, leaving the airconditioning units and gas heaters exposed to the elements.”
According to Fair Trading, other defects included a trip hazard at a building exit which “could impede safe evacuation through the building” during an emergency.
8 MURRELL ST, ASHFIELD
Three defects were identified at the residential apartment development including defects relating to waterproofing works and building enclosures.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated defects included penetration of water (leaks) observed within two units of the development, and “excessive cracking of a reinforced concrete wall” in a balcony of the building.
27-29 BURWOOD RD, BURWOOD
Fifteen defects were identified at the residential apartment development relating to structural systems, waterproofing, fire safety and mechanical, plumbing and electrical services
The Fair Trading inspection report stated defects included unprotected joints and gaps/spaces between building elements that were required to be fire-resistant, and an absence of smoke seals and non-combustible door backing to electrical metre cupboard in the path of travel to exit the building.
35-39 BALMORAL ST, WAITARA
Four defects were identified at the residential apartment development, including “severe corrosion in the building’s baseplates of steel posts”, Fair Trading stated.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated other defects included water not being prevented from entering the balustrade and parapet external walls, and a “lack of detailed engineering designs or evidence of suitability for the balustrades and parapet walls to indicate compliance with the Building Code of Australia”.
8 LIPPIZAN RD, AUSTRAL
Five defects were identified at the residential apartment development, including defects relating to waterproofing works on the building.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated defects included an absence of flashing installed under a doorway in a balcony which could allow water ingress to enter the building and “causing unhealthy or dangerous conditions”.
61 KEIRA ST, WOLLONGONG
Forty-three defects were identified at the residential apartment development relating to structural systems, waterproofing, fire safety and building enclosures.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated defects included uncontrolled cracking approximately 3mm wide in the basement slab of the building.
It added that areas of a concrete slab were also not “properly vibrated or compacted, which has created areas of segregation and honeycombing”.
Fair Trading stated the defects related to waterproofing included uncontrolled water ingress into a bedroom via an external wall, and floor surfaces that did not have an adequate slope to drainage outlets.
2 PALMERSTON ST, KOGARAH
One defect was identified at the residential apartment development relating to the internal load bearing component of a building that Fair Trading deemed “essential to the stability of the structure”.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated the defect was related to an “insufficient number of reinforcements in the concrete slab” above columns in the building’s basement.
48 COURT RD AND 356-358 THE HORSLEY DR, FAIRFIELD
Six defects were identified at the residential apartment development relating to the internal load bearing component of a building that is essential to the stability of the structure.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated defects included “underestimated and under designed load bearing elements” which could compromise the structural performance of the building.
46 BELLEVUE RD, BELLEVUE HILL
Nine defects were identified at the residential apartment development relating to structural systems, waterproofing, and fire safety.
The Fair Trading inspection report stated inspectors observed water penetrating through cracks in the concrete slab of the building and dripping into the car space below. Steel reinforcing tendons were also observed to be exposed and corroding, according to Fair Trading NSW.
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