Oran Park: Multiple defects found after inspection at 26 Massey St

Failures to protect a new house from termites, waterlogging and structural integrity were among defects found when the state’s building watchdog undertook an inspection of the southwest Sydney property.

26 Massey St Oran Park. Picture: Google Maps

The NSW Building Commission has slapped company Royal Constructions with orders to fix nine defects after they were identified during a recent Fair Trading inspection of a house at Oran Park.

The property at 26 Massey St raised serious concerns with failure to protect the house from termites throughout the property.

“Failure to ensure that the termite barrier is visibly installed at the face edge of the brick veneer could lead to termite entry into the building, causing structural damage to key building elements and potential loss of amenity to the occupants,’’ the report stated.

There was also a “high likelihood” of termites entering the house, which could damage the building and reduce its lifespan because the stone stack failed to be constructed at the proper length.

Alarm bells were also raised when it came to waterproofing the property after the inspection determined there was a failure to damp-proof the wall lining.

Oran Park is one of the fastest growing suburbs of Sydney.

That meant it “could allow moisture from the earth and soil to rise up the walls … possibly damaging building elements that create unhealthy conditions for the occupiers’’.

The inspection also revealed a failure to provide the proper measures around windows and doors, which meant there was potential to create damage and tension on bricks, affecting the building’s lifespan.

Poor construction below the window sills meant mortar and cement could stop moisture from being released from the brick cavities – leading to “mould and potential damage to structure elements” of the building.

The building also failed to comply with installing proper waterproofing measures in the laundry, ensuite, powder room and bathroom, which could result in damaging the property.

More problems were found in the hanging beams in two bedrooms, the study and media room on the first floor where they were not constructed with the proper critical support.

“Failing to construct timber framework that is resistant to actions, and designed to support and carry structural loads … could compromise the structural integrity of the frame, and result in structural failure,’’ the report read.

Another defect was identified on the first floor ceiling hanging beam after the inspector found the timber framework was inadequate and “could compromise the structural integrity of the frame, and result in structural failure”.

Originally published as Oran Park: Multiple defects found after inspection at 26 Massey St