Buying a New Apartment: Buyer Beware

Low-Rise Multi Unit Developments are popping up all around Melbourne. Buyers are purchasing off the plan, lured in by the flawless marketing brochure’s that paint the perfect picture of the finished building and interior design.

Over the past few years, the biggest construction defect & common trend I have encountered with this type of construction is Leaky Building Syndrome.

The National Construction Code states that the builder must construct a weatherproof building and must prevent the penetration of water that could cause—

a)    unhealthy or dangerous conditions, or loss of amenity for occupants; and 

b)    undue dampness or deterioration of building elements. 

Habitable Basements, Balconies & Terraces built over habitable areas below, and poor detail in external waterproofing techniques coupled with the inability to follow AS4654.2 Waterproofing Membrane for External Above Ground Use, Part 2 Design & Installation are leading to consequential internal water ingress and damage to building materials.

 I often link building construction to human anatomy. Many parts rely on each other or cross paths. Defects are especially common in junctions where different trades have performed their work.

A good example is the junction of a balcony and door sill. This area relies on the concrete formwork to achieve the minimum vertical upward termination, the water-proofer to membrane the sill substrate before the door is installed, the window installer to install the sill flashing, and the floor contractor to install the internal water stop before installing the floor covering.

If just one of these 4 trades deviates from their role in the process, it can lead to building failure from rain-water.

Always get a final building inspection performed at the handover period, and ask your building inspector to especially inspect the weatherproofing of the apartment.