Building quality of multi-unit developments remained a key priority of Access Canberra.
Access Canberra has issued a rectification order against a local building company after water damage and cracks to a multi-unit residential building in Canberra’s north.
The issues confirmed by Access Canberra building inspectors include water entering into the building and cracking of the building façade, impacting over 50 units within the development which was completed in 2008.
ACT Construction Occupations Registrar Ben Green said he could not provide any further detail on the builder and development until the appeal period of 28 days lapses.
Mr Green said the rectification order sent an important message to the industry and would assist the unit owners to have defects in their building resolved.
“Waterproofing and preventing water ingress is a particular issue when it comes to multi-unit developments but can also be seen in single residential dwellings due to design issues or poor product or workmanship,” he said.
“We are continuing to work with industry when it comes to expectations around building compliance, this includes on waterproofing.”
Mr Green said building quality of multi-unit developments remained a key priority of Access Canberra as did risks within the residential dwelling sector.
“Access Canberra takes a risk-based approach to its activities and noting the significant impact issues in multi-unit developments can have on residents, this sector remains a key priority for Access Canberra in identifying issues, taking proactive activity, or following up concerns raised by the community,” he said.
“We are also active when it comes to single dwellings – as evident in the recent actions we have taken, including stop-work notices issued in Gungahlin.”
Since July last year, Access Canberra has given 139 demerit points to construction occupation licensees, nine notices directing building work to be undertaken and two rectification orders with one currently subject to review by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
“There are parts of the ACT building industry that are producing poor quality outcomes for our community,” Mr Green said.
“The building industry are on notice that non-compliant and poor quality work will not be tolerated and action will be taken to prevent issues arising but also respond to those in the industry that fail to rectify issues if they do arise.”
