Smith St, Ryde: Multiple defects discovered during inspection of multimillion-dollar unit complex

The company which developed a recently completed Sydney unit complex has been given 180 days to fix multiple defects which were uncovered during an inspection by the state’s building watchdog.

An inspection by the building watchdog has uncovered multiple defects at the site.

A multimillion-dollar unit building has come under scrutiny after “serious defects”, including inadequate waterproofing and fire safety works, were discovered at the site.

Fair Trading NSW has issued a build rectification order for 3 Smith St, Ryde after an inspection of the five-level apartment complex found six separate defects at the property.

Council records show the apartment building was approved by Ryde Council in 2016, and is currently occupied by tenants.

According to the rectification order, an inspection of the complex discovered internal water staining on the ceiling in the plaster lining of a ground floor unit and water infiltration marks on the facade of the building.

Fair Trading stated the moisture penetrating the building was a serious defect and failed to comply with building standards relating to weatherproofing.

A photo of the building at 3 Smith St in Ryde.

The order was also critical of insufficient waterproofing works on the roof of the building that resulted in water “pooling” on the surface. Fair Trading stated there was also evidence of water penetrating the basement of the unit complex.

The inspection report made public on Friday also detailed insufficient fire safety work in the basement to prevent the spread of fire.

Fair Trading stated door frames in the fire stairs of the building also omitted “contrasting sounds when tapped” that indicated inconsistent and inadequate filling of the fire door frames which are designed to prevent the spread of fire.

The rectification order was issued to developer Romeciti Eastwood Holdings and will remain in place until revoked by Fair Trading NSW.

NSW building commissioner David Chandler has given Romeciti Eastwood 180 days to fix the defects by carrying out works including core filling of any hollow fire door frames.

“I accept that the order requires considerable further construction work that is likely to be costly … However, the cost to the developer must be balanced against the benefit to the occupiers of the building in having the building appropriately waterproofed (and) compliant fire safety standards,” he said.

“I am aware that there are residents occupying this location as the building is completed which will delay rectification work (but) I am of the view that 180 days is sufficient to conduct the following works.”

Mr Chandler said the rectification works to fix defective waterproofing would “prevent unhealthy or dangerous conditions” including “loss of amenity to occupants or undue dampness or deterioration of building elements”.

He said fire rectification would also “resist and reduce the spread of fire within the building”.

Romeciti Eastwood was contacted for comment about the rectification order but did not respond at the time of publication.