Defects found at Balgowlah apartments at 404 Sydney Rd
A recently completed unit development has come under scrutiny from the state’s building watchdog after multiple defects including “cracking” and leaks were uncovered during an inspection.
NSW
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The owners of a recently completed Sydney development have been ordered to carry out rectification works after an inspection by the state’s building watchdog uncovered a string of defects at the site.
A building work rectification order has been issued by Fair Trading NSW following an inspection of the mixed-use commercial and residential apartment building at 404 Sydney Rd in Balgowlah.
The building watchdog says an inspection of the 17-unit development identified 27 separate defects that, according to Fair Trading, failed to comply with Australian building standards.
The development was approved by local planning authorities for construction in 2018 and has units advertised to buyers as offering “sophisticated apartments” with “luxury interiors”.
Fair Trading listed defects including “uncontrolled cracking” in the basement slab of the building.
Fair Trading identified multiple defects related to waterproofing including water seepage which has resulted in undue dampness and deterioration in parts of the development.
Horizontal floor surfaces in a communal area of the building also did not have an adequate slope to a drainage system which has resulted in accumulation of excess water in affected areas.
Fire safety standards were another area of concern with the report identifying a lack of fire sprinkler systems in the building.
Multiple fire doors throughout the building were also identified as non-compliant because of large gaps underneath and around their perimeters.
Other defects identified in the order included insufficient ventilation in gas meter cupboards throughout the building.
NSW Building Commission acting director of building compliance Yolande Nyss, who issued the order on January 16, has required all defects to be remediated within a deadline of five months to ensure the building meets compliance standards.
She said the “serious defects” identified at the site may “negatively impact the amenity of the development for owners and occupiers”.
“I accept that the order requires considerable further building work that is likely to be costly,” she said.
“However, the cost … must be balanced against the benefit to the occupiers in having the development constructed according to approved plans, the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards.
Planning records show the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel approved the $8.3m development in 2018.
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Originally published as Defects found at Balgowlah apartments at 404 Sydney Rd
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