Marsden Park: NSW Fair Trading issues stop work order to Hayat Constructions for 3 Zimeo Place

Most of us just want a roof over our heads but that was compromised at a house in Sydney’s west where several problems threatened its structural integrity that could create “significant harm”.

3 Zimeo Place Marsden Park, where NSW Fair Trading issued a stop-work order. Picture: Google Maps

Poor brick work and compromised structural support were identified as problems when the state’s building watchdog uncovered a series of defects at a double-storey Marsden Park house.

The developer, Hayat Constructions, was ordered to cease work from Wednesday at 5pm until the 13 defects are repaired at 3 Zimeo Place.

Red flags were raised during NSW Fair Trading inspections on April 29 and May 13 when problems were detected inside and outside the property.

The Fair Trading report found beams supporting the roof over the family room were not supported, with the load not transferring to the ground slab.

The structural timber beam over the stairwell also had insufficient support to the ground slab and appeared to have “insufficient fixings” where beams had been laminated together.

Marsden Park is a booming suburb. Picture: Google Maps

Outside, the vertical layer between bricks was excessive, which reduced the structural integrity of the brickwork.

The control joints in the brickwork were less than 10mm or non-existent which could also adversely affect structural movement and cause cracking.

Further, brickwork mortar joints were not adequately filled, which compromised the walls’ structural integrity.

Excess mortar and debris also obstructed the window flashings (the gap between the window and the wall) while bricks over the metre box were not adequately supported.

It was also observed that the brickwork over the metre box was not adequately supported by a beam, which compromises structural stability.

More problems were found when the brick pier-supported steel had been insufficiently packed with framing nails and timber, leading to structural instability.

Plywood also “appears non-compliant”, according to the report.

NSW Building Commission acting director of building compliance Donald van Keimpema, who issued the order said: “I am of the opinion the building work is, or is likely to be, carried out in a manner that could result in significant harm or loss to the public or to occupiers or potential occupiers of the building to which the work relates or significant damage to property.’’

Originally published as Marsden Park: NSW Fair Trading issues stop work order to Hayat Constructions for 3 Zimeo Place