Building Commission NSW has conducted a series of inspections across Far West and Central West NSW, with the main issues identified relating to non-compliant site signage, unlicensed work, building frames, and inadequate damp proof course defects.
With its sights set firmly on improving building quality across all of NSW, inspectors from the building regulator visited Hartley, Bowenfels, Lidsdale, Portland, Mudgee, Bombira, Caerleon, Gulgong, Forbes, Parkes, Narromine, Manildra, Wellington and Dubbo.
Building Commission NSW inspectors visited 64 free-standing homes and one apartment complex during the blitz, with most of the nearly 100 tradespeople spoken to welcoming inspectors.
The main issues in the region identified by Building Commission NSW related to improper display of builder and certifier signage, with 26 of the total 31 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) issued for the offences, and only eight sites found to be compliant with their signage requirements.
A further four PINs related to unlicensed work or contracting were issued, while one PIN was issued in relation to insufficient supervision of trades.
As a result of the compliance campaign Building Commission NSW also drafted 21 Rectification Orders for a range of defects, building frame issues, a lack of damp proof course, unsupported meter boxes, and articulation joints not continuing through brickwork adequately.
It's crucial that framing is installed correctly to ensure the structural adequacy of a building, while inadequate or lack of damp proof course can lead to long-term problems like mould in brickwork.
Before these orders are finalised and made public, Building Commission NSW will consider written representations from the builder, developer or principal contractor, as required by legislation.
To ensure residential buildings across NSW continue to be built to a high standard, Building Commission NSW will continue to travel regionally to conduct 'Anywhere, Anytime' inspections.
To find out more about Building Commission NSW, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/building-commission.
Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"Building quality is one of my top priorities as Minister for Building.
"Whether you're building in Sydney or Mudgee, Forbes, Parkes or Narromine, the same rules apply - quality, safety and compliance are non-negotiable.
"This regional compliance program was about making sure families in the Far and Central West can trust that their homes are built to last and built to a high standard.
"If you're cutting corners or ignoring the code, you will be held accountable."
Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said:
"The hardworking homeowners of the Central West deserve to know their home has been built to the required standards, and I thank Building Commission NSW for maintaining its vigilance in the Central West.
"Property is generally the most significant asset that people will own in their lives so it's important that property owners can be confident in the quality of the build, particularly in the great regions of NSW."
NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said:
"Builders in the Far and Central West of NSW generally deliver high-quality work that meets required standards, with most tradespeople welcoming to Building Commission NSW on their sites.
"However, our recent inspection blitz revealed areas where improvement is needed, particularly with recurring issues relating to site signage and common defects relating to damp proof course.
"Site signage rules are important because they ensure workers as well as visitors understand the safety procedures, hazards and restrictions on construction projects.
"Damp proof course defects are becoming increasingly identified across NSW, with similar problems were identified during recent inspection blitzes in the Riverina and Murray regions."
