Building Commission NSW issues rectification order after defects uncovered at 41 Mercury St, Leppington development

A developer claiming it can “bring your dreams to reality” has caught the ire of the state’s building watchdog after a string of defects, including shoddy brickwork and mould threats, were uncovered in southwest Sydney.

The development of concern for inspectors.

A developer claiming it can “bring your dreams to reality” has caught the ire of the state building watchdog after a string of defects, including shoddy brickwork which could lead to widespread cracking, were uncovered in southwest Sydney.

Building Commission NSW issued a building work rectification order to developer Alaxia Solar Pty Ltd, following an inspection of 41 Mercury St, Leppington, on July 26.

The building watchdog said the inspection of the development had identified 26 separate defects that failed to comply with Australian building standards.

The commission stated the defects included a string of brickwork shortfalls, including incomplete filling of mortar joints, which could lead to cracking and water seeping into the cavity and cause “deterioration over time”.

Inspectors also observed that the cavity wall was breached with debris in various areas around the property.

A string of defects were found at 41 Mercury St, Leppington, a rectification order states.

“The timber, brickwork and mortar breaching the cavity would potentially direct any water that enters the cavity to impact the internal wall lining causing mould to develop and deterioration of building elements,” inspectors said.

The watchdog states the external brickwork failed to have the correct thickness for mortar joints, which could lead to “cracking and misalignment”, while multiple weep holes had a build-up of debris preventing free-flow of water.

41 Mercury St, Leppington.

“Blocked weepholes can cause the retention of moisture within the cavity leading to mould and potential structural damage,” inspectors said.

Builders failed to include a flashing – a type of installation to divert water away to prevent pooling – in a kitchen, butlers pantry and for powder room windows, which could compromise the “structural integrity of the building” and lead to “unhealthy conditions” for residents.

Inspectors also found excess mortar in articulation joints and insufficient bearing in steel lintels above kitchen windows, which could cause cracking.

The roof also had a string of defects due to incorrectly placed collar ties, which the commission deemed could compromise the roof and lead to sagging.

The use of particle board sheets in the roof often used for flooring was another area of concern for the watchdog.

41 Mercury St, Leppington.

Inspectors said the material was susceptible to “excessive deformation” which could cause roof tiles to dislodge, water ingress and lead to unhealthy conditions.

Building Commission NSW acting director of building compliance Yolande Nyss, who issued the order, ordered the remediation of defects to ensure the building meets standards.

“I accept that the order requires specified steps to be taken that may be costly. I give this consideration moderate weight,” she said.

A rectification order states Alaxia did not provide “written submissions that include evidence that the rectification works have been completed” before an August 28 deadline.

Attempts were made to contact Alaxia for comment.