If you own or manage a high-rise building, it’s your responsibility to ensure that it is safe for all residents, visitors, workers, and passer-byers. If your building is deemed unsafe and injury occurs, you can be held liable.
One of the best ways to avoid this is to familiarise yourself with common defects that can occur and how to best deal with them. Read our blog on common building defects for more information on how to identify them. Otherwise, read on to find out how to best deal with high-rise building defects.
Handling Building Defects
Different buildings will encounter different defects. The process of dealing with these defects can be generalised, however. Here are some top tips:
Remember that ignorance is not always bliss.
As we’ve previously stressed, if you own or manage a building, any defects that occur are your responsibility. Because of this, you want to be aware of how to identify any potential issues and have a basic idea of how to remedy them.
Be safe, not sorry.
Thorough and regular building inspections by accredited professionals, such as Magic Glass, are a must! They will identify any potential issues before you notice them. Not only will this ensure safety in your building, but it will also save you money as repairing damage in its early stages is much less expensive than repairing it a few months in.
In NSW, for minor defects, you have two years to start the process of getting the builder or developer to fix the defect. For major defects, you have six years. If your building is outside the warranty period, you may have to fund rectification yourself.
Sharing is caring.
Make sure you report defects to people who need to know. This will include your owners corporation, but also your insurer(s) and Fair Trading (especially if the defect is major). You will also need to inform residents and other building occupants if necessary.
Keeping good records is also important. Records are needed in case there are disputes and to demonstrate to future buyers that the building is well-maintained and safe.
Handling building defects can be stressful. Fortunately, Magic Glass is here to help. We offer fast, thorough, and cost-effective facade inspection, repair, and replacement services. Our experienced Rope Access Division allows us to carry out these services discreetly for all buildings, regardless of height or size.
Contact us today for more information!
