‘Serious defects, cracks’ uncovered at Mitchell Ave, Jannali apartment development in building watchdog inspection

A unit development in Sydney’s south has come under scrutiny from the state’s building watchdog after more than 40 separate defects were discovered at the site. See the laundry list here.

Building inspectors identified more than 40 defects at the apartment building.

The developer of a newly-built unit development in Sydney’s south has been ordered to carry out rectification works after an inspection by the state’s building watchdog uncovered more than 40 defects at the site.

A building work rectification order has been issued by Fair Trading NSW to developer Mitchell Ave Development Pty Ltd following an inspection of the six storey apartment building at 11-15 Mitchell Ave in Jannali.

An inspection of the building identified 47 separate defects that according to Fair Trading failed to comply with Australian building standards.

The defects included cracks in a unit balcony and the wall of the carpark and cracked and damaged concrete within the building’s fire stairs.

Fair Trading also identified foreign objects embedded within the concrete slab and segregated concrete of the basement carpark, and damaged and chipped concrete.

A photo of the building identified by Fair Trading NSW

There were multiple defects relating to waterproofing including water ingress and moisture damage to units.

Horizontal floor surfaces in the basement and rooftop were also identified as not having adequate slopes to drainage outlets, causing accumulation of excess water in the area.

Further defects were identified relating to fire safety standards including a gap under a fire door.

Acting NSW Building Commissioner Elizabeth Stewart, who issued the order on February 1, has required all defects to be remediated within 120 days.

According to Fair Trading, Mitchell Ave Development Pty Ltd “has indicated that they are committed to resolving the issues at the development”.

Mitchell Ave Development Pty Ltd has also questioned why the builder of the development “was not being pursued” as part of the rectification order.

Ms Stewart said the rectification order would ensure the building meets compliance standards

“I accept that the order requires considerable further building work that is likely to be costly, and I give this consideration moderate weight.

“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.”

Planning records show the development was approved by Sutherland Shire Council in 2018 and comprises 31 apartments.