Darling St, Rozelle: Building watchdog uncovers multiple defects at unit building

A recently completed apartment complex has come under scrutiny after the state’s building watchdog said it uncovered a string of defects including water leaks.

Inspectors identified 27 separate defects at the site.

The NSW building watchdog has ordered rectification works to be carried out at a recently completed inner west development after it said it uncovered a list of “serious defects”.

A building work rectification order has been issued by Fair Trading NSW following an inspection of the four storey apartment building at 551-557 Darling St in Rozelle.

The building watchdog says the inspection of the building identified 27 separate defects that failed to comply with Australian building standards.

The 22-unit development was approved by Inner West Council in 2016 and is advertised to buyers as offering “exclusive” apartments that offer “sophisticated design and uncompromising quality”.

The alleged defects included inadequate waterproofing works including water penetrating through a basement wall of the carpark entry.

The development was approved for construction in 2016.

Fair Trading said a floor surface in a common area of the building did not have adequate slopes to drainage outlets, causing an accumulation of excess water throughout the area.

Fire safety standards were another area of concern with Fair Trading observing fire door frames that were hollow when tapped, indicating voids in the grout behind the frames were not solid core filled.

In multiple areas of the building, Fair Trading said inspectors observed fire doors that were “generally undersized” and fitted with large gaps exceeding 3mm around the perimeter.

The rectification order was issued this week.

Fire exit signage in the building was also found by Fair Trading to be inoperable or missing, and a fire detection system had not been installed in three units.

A door from a set of fire stairs was also found by Fair Trading to open in the incorrect direction which Fair Trading stated could compromise safe egress for occupants in the event of an emergency

NSW Building Commission assistant director Yolande Nyss, who issued the order on Monday, has required all defects to be fixed within a four month deadline to ensure the building meets compliance standards.

She said the “serious defects” identified at the site may “negatively impact the amenity of the development for owners and occupiers”.

“I accept that this order requires considerable further building works and actions that are likely to be costly,” she said.

“However, the cost to the developer must be balanced against the benefit to the owners and occupiers of the development in having the development constructed according to approved plans, the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards.”