‘Serious defects, cracks’ uncovered at Botany apartment development in building watchdog inspection

A major unit development in Sydney’s south has come under scrutiny from the state’s building watchdog after more than 30 separate defects were discovered at the site.

Thirty six defects have been detected in the building.

The developer of a new unit development in Botany 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 Australian Property Funding Development Pty. Ltd. following an inspection of the apartment building at 1084 Botany Rd, Botany.

An inspection identified 36 separate defects that, according to Fair Trading, failed to comply with Australian building standards.

The defects included inadequate drainage works and “uncontrolled water ingress and damage” in sections of the site including ceilings and corridor walkways.

Fair Trading states staining from water could was also observed on rooftops of the building

A photo of the site identified by Fair Trading NSW

In the basement, inspectors observed “uncontrolled cracking” of minimum 1mm depth observed in slabs and soffits.

Fair Trading states rust was also observed on the fire door entrance frames, and there was an absence of smoke detectors installed in sections of the building including the foyer and lobby.

Fire sprinkler heads were found by inspectors to be obstructed in the basement and there were no emergency exit signs in shared areas of the building including the external foyer.

Other defects included exhaust systems in multiple apartments that discharged into the corridor spaces and according to Fair Trading was causing a “nuisance to building occupants”.

In one unit, inspectors observed the horizontal floor surface in an ensuite did not have adequate slope to a drainage, resulting in an accumulation of excess water throughout the area.

In another unit, Fair Trading state there was evidence of water ingress in a main bedroom with moisture damage to skirting boards.

NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, who issued the order on November 9, 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,” he 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.

According to Fair Trading, The defects identified are subject of Supreme Court proceedings by the strata owners corporation of the building.

As part of the proceedings, the developer is required to file evidence by February 16.

Fair Trading stated the developer is currently organising consultants to investigate the defects and is “engaging in settlement discussions with the owners corporation:.

Planning records show the $16.8 million development was approved in 2015 and comprises 70 apartments, and ground floor commercial spaces.