Report finds 18 Palmerston homes ‘structurally inadequate’ in design and non-compliant with Building Code

Eighteen homes in Palmerston have been found to be structurally inadequate in their design and non-compliant with the Building Code of Australia at the time of their construction.

Eighteen homes in Palmerston have been found to be structurally inadequate in their design and non-compliant with the Building Code of Australia at the time of construction. Picture: iStock

EIGHTEEN homes in Palmerston have been found to be structurally inadequate in their design and non-compliant with the Building Code of Australia at the time of construction.

The discovery comes after an engineering assessment following reports of defects to the homes, which included movement in flooring, cracked and loose tiles and poor drainage on balconies.

But a report found there was no immediate safety risk.

The builder of the 18 homes is no longer a registered builder in the Northern Territory.

The majority of the properties are covered under either the Home Building Certification Fund or the Residential Building Cover Scheme, with all homeowners being provided advice.

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Ten properties have claims with the Home Building Certification Fund, under the care of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, as these properties were built prior to 31 December 2012.

Five Properties have applications for the Residential Building Cover Scheme, through the Commissioner for Residential Building Disputes in the Department of Attorney-General and Justice, as these were built after 1 January 2013.

Sayeda Bushra stands below rusted floor of her home in Bellamack. Photograph: Che Chorley

Eighteen homes in Palmerston have been found to be structurally inadequate in their design and non-compliant with the Building Code of Australia at the time of their construction. A dilapidated house sits unoccupied in Bellamack due to damage from inadequate building materials and practices. Photograph: Che Chorley

Homeowners of a further three properties were covered by the Residential Building Cover Scheme but the cover has since lapsed, however these homeowners are being provided advice by the Northern Territory Government.

Building Control director Mark Meldrum said although there was no immediate need to find alternative accommodation, there may be a safety risk to occupants during a cyclone event.

“There is no immediate threat to safety, and the Northern Territory Government continues to work with these homeowners to make sure they are aware of the potential structural issues associated with their properties,” Mr Meldrum said.

Northern Territory Consumer Affairs Acting Commissioner Sandra Otto said the homeowners of the five properties with applications for the Residential Building Cover Scheme have been contacted by the Commissioner to keep them updated on their progress.

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If property owners are concerned about their property, they can access their building records by contacting Building Advisory Services, or alternatively owners may wish to get independent structural engineering advice from a registered building practitioner on the condition of their home.

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