Episode 216: Just How Big Is Sydney's Building Defect Problem | Laura Crommelin, UNSW

Sometimes it takes a sensational event to bring attention to major problems. Take, for example, the evacuation of approximately 3,000 people in Sydney’s Opal Tower and Mascot Towers.

Through these two stories dominating the headlines, Sydney's dysfunctional planning and development system has been highlighted.

How big is this problem? How can both ordinary citizens and our governments address this issue?

Laura Crommelin of UNSW shares with us her findings on the research she has conducted into building defects in strata, the truth about building defects, problems with design and construct contracts, and everything about the hazards that may be present in a building.

If you enjoy the show, do like, rate, subscribe, and share us on social media and if you have your own questions you need clarity on, email us at questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au!

See you in the episode!

Episode Highlights:

1. Why Laura decided to tackle Sydney’s building defects in her research [01:54]

2. The challenge of finding out the truth [06:52]

3. Coming up with a definition of a ‘defect’ [10:44]

4. What are the most common building defects? [12:21]

5. Design and construct contract and its issues in residential construction [14:39] 

6. When does the government get involved in these building problems? [19:38]

7. Is the government’s strata building bond inspection scheme a good move? [22:23]

8. Data blindness when purchasing brand new properties [25:37]

9. The star-rating system for developers [29:21]

10. Do developers and builders care about the building defect issues? [32:57]

11. Luxury and quality may go together, but what about affordability? [37:09]

12. How can we get out of this mess in the property industry? [43:15] 

13. The light at the end of the tunnel [47:02]

14. Laura's property dumbo [49:35]

15. Being aware of the defect issues before you suffer from them [53:11]

16. Creating a standard for record-keeping in strata properties [56:06]

Links from the Show:

• Cracks in the Compact City: Defects in Strata

• Episode 188: Is your property fire safe? | Rob Broadhead, 2020 Fire Protection

• Episode 176: Developers are in the Government’s crosshairs | David Chandler, NSW Building Commissioner

• Episode 206: Buyers Beware: Who Controls Your Access to Information? | Dr. Nicole Johnston, Deakin University

• Episode 112: Pandemic Crisis, What Will Happen to the Market | Veronica Morgan & Chris Bates

About Laura:

Laura Crommelin is a Senior Lecturer in the City Planning Program at UNSW Sydney, teaching planning law and governance and working on research related to urban and housing policy. She is also a Fellow at UNSW's City Futures Research Centre. Laura’s research interests cover a range of trends and issues in post-industrial cities, including urban renewal, urban governance, digital disruptions (e.g. Airbnb), place branding, and DIY urban revitalisation practices.

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• Work with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au 

• Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au 

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