Water Issues in Apartment Block

chasis on 15/06/2020 - 10:45
Last edited 15/06/2020 - 10:55

Hi,

Looking to buy an apartment. There is one that I am very interested in, but I have just visited the parking garage and have noticed multiple points where water appears to be seeping through the concrete. What concerns me most is the points where the seeping occurs leaves large red/brown marks which I can only imagine is iron from the steel rebar?

The property next door is a construction site which is on hold and looks to be flooded. The water be originating from there. This might be irrelevant.

Photos of the water seep can be seen here: https://imgur.com/gallery/nAtijnE (2nd photo shows it close up)

Can anybody advise me what it is likely to be? Does this mean there is inadequate drainage? And finally, does it raise a red flag for me purchasing? The actually water doesn't bother me, but I would hate to incur high strata rates in the future from a problem that I have noticed before purchase.

Any advise would be much appreciated. TIA.

Poll Options

  • 18
    * Common Issue that will require strata funds in the next 5-10years to fix (don't buy, stay away)
  • 2
    * Common Issue that can be left (don't worry, buy it)
Home & Garden

Comments

  • neil on 15/06/2020 - 10:50
    +1

    Common issue. Looks like there is a level of garage underneath? If so, you may find in the garage below that there is a drain likely with a sump pump to capture any water coming through.

    Red/brown. Seen that very often in car park garages. What's above them? Could be a garden or courtyard? Most likely whatever is above needs to be waterproofed. If it's a private courtyard then that's the owner's responsibility.

    • chasis on 15/06/2020 - 10:54

      Thanks Neil. Yes, there are multiple levels of underground garage. Hard to tell exactly where I am, I will check the plans but there is a common courtyard on the back side of the property that abuts the construction site next door. I believe the parking spot may be underneath this courtyard.

  • Archi on 15/06/2020 - 11:28
    +1

    not part of your question but that accessible parking spot next to the storage cage doesn't comply to australian standards. storage cage shouldn't go there

    • chasis on 15/06/2020 - 11:33

      Interesting. Is that because both sides need the extra space? I figured the extra space between the 2 spots met the accessibility requirements?

      • Archi on 15/06/2020 - 13:01

        yes.. and also it needs to be clear because its a hard stand wall adjacent to parking spot.

        you'll find most parking lots and garages doesn't comply to Australian standards as developers and building owners change this after certification. which in no doubt this is.

    • AdosHouse on 15/06/2020 - 12:58

      On a side note, who the hell stores mattresses in an underground carpark?

      • crentist on 15/06/2020 - 13:38

        who the hell stores mattresses in an underground carpark?

        It's that kind of attitude that'll have you sleeping in the garage, mister
        And you better hope there's a mattress

        • AdosHouse on 15/06/2020 - 14:15

          Never got Carbon Monoxide poisoning from a mattress before. First time for anything.

      • Stewardo on 15/06/2020 - 18:16

        People who sublet the property, 2 bed unit, 8 tenants, add beds as required.

    • SnoozeAndLose on 15/06/2020 - 18:21

      Even through it shouldnt, it will be hard to get it removed

  • Ocker on 15/06/2020 - 11:33
    +3

    Lash out and get an engineers report if you are serious about buying the apt.

    • chasis on 15/06/2020 - 11:34

      Ok. THanks for the advice.

    • neil on 15/06/2020 - 11:36
      +1

      Just ask the strata manager, look at notes from AGMs etc. I wouldn't be spending money engaging engineers on a common property garage with a water leak.

      • Stewardo on 15/06/2020 - 17:13

        Putting a lot of faith in a strata manager

        • neil on 15/06/2020 - 17:35
          +1

          True. If the issue is pointed out in AGM notes then at least there can be some elaboration. However some buildings keep AGM Minutes very minimal so could be nothing mentioned.

          Generally car park leaks occur in concrete car parks where floors meet walls due to expanding/contracting in concrete (normal) plus either waterproofing membrane damaged over the years or non-existant at all. The expense of the fix is dependent on really what is above it (e.g. garden, pool, balcony etc.) as it would have to be removed to the slab.

          • Stewardo on 15/06/2020 - 18:14
            +1

            @neil: This is below ground level could be water table.
            Sydney has lots of sandstone as well $$$

  • netjock on 15/06/2020 - 12:51
    +1

    If it is a construction site next door or likely to be then take a pass. The Mascot tower owners claim construction next door could have contributed to their problems.

  • oO0Dam0Oo on 15/06/2020 - 13:07
    +2

    Absolutely request to view the strata documents (AGM minutes etc). The need for due diligence can not be overstated.

    I was out of pocket around 85k for an apartment purchased off the plans that had significant and recurring water ingress issues.

    Never again would I go near a strata property!!! You have very little control over your investment.

    Then again I am sure many have had good experiences.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 15/06/2020 - 18:24
    +2

    Water issue is common and most expensive to fix, it is hard to find out where is the water coming from ,therefore the quote most company get is not accurate and not cheap.

    Even If the quote and scopes being given, expect at least 100% more as they will find out more issue.

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