Help/Advice on Cladding Safety Works

sickofiso on 05/09/2021 - 12:55
Last edited 05/09/2021 - 14:54 by 1 other user

Hi guys,

I'm trying to see if anyone has been through the same situation as me.

I am currently a renter in an apartment which has been flagged as a hazard due to the materials used for cladding. The construction works have started in our apartment during lockdown and we have been told that the works cannot be paused for any reason at all.

Here is our problem:

1. We were not informed directly by the agent/bodycorp directly about the works nor the impact it has on us. The first direct communication we have was 3 business days before the scaffolding works were put up because they had to cut power to our building for the entire day. I spoke a neighbour of ours and they were not informed by the body corp or agent either. I spoke to my agent to notify them about the works and the assured me that they did not receive any communication from the body corporate either. My agent has lodged a formal complaint on my behalf.

2. We are finding it very difficult to move out because inspections are not allowed currently. We have been told that the only option is looking at a property online and applying that way. It is somewhat of a risk but it is what it is.

3. I have rung pretty much every government authority, Building Authority, Dispute Settlement Centre, ACCC, Tenants Union, Local Council, Cladding Safety Body, Body Corp, Real Estate Agent. The message was somewhat consistent that there is no legal way to stop the works because it is a safety issue.

4. I have a sick member of the family. That person is diagnosed with chronic anxiety and depression. That person has been hospitalized in the last year and have doctor's reports on the health issues. Any sort of noise will trigger the anxiety. Since the works started, the person's health has been on rapid decline. I can almost assume it will not be long until she will be re-admitted to the hospital. I have mentioned this to all the authorities but aside from getting empathy, no one is willing to pause the works.

5. The other real problem is that the noise is excruciating. Like most of everyone else around Australia, I am working from home. I am not able to attend meetings or do any real work during the day because of the noise. I end up just trying to make up some of the work back at night when the construction is off. However, this is not feasible in the long run.

6. Apart from that, the Site Manager and Project Manager cannot commit to a finish time to the project. Due to Covid and the restriction on # of workers, the weather conditions, supply of materials etc. They can only best estimate that this will finish by the end of the year if the government allows 100% workforce. And they are only able to let me know a day in advance on what is going on which doesn't help me with making contingency planning.

7. Aside from the mess, the outside area of my property is now inaccessible. The area has been sealed off. Construction material is everywhere. There is no sunlight coming into the house. We are told to close all doors/windows/blinds throughout the day.

What I am trying to ask for:

I think all I am trying to look for is to see if there is any way to delay these works until lockdown restrictions are eased. This will allow us to at least start the process of getting a new place to move out. I do understand that cladding safety is important and we are not denying that. But I'm sure there must be a better time to get these works done rather than subjecting residents to endure the noise when no one is able to leave the house.

Thanks everyone, Hope someone has gone thru this recently and if you do, please let me know what you were able to do.

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  Bafranz on 05/09/2021 - 12:56

  +2

  It’s a fire hazard.. it should get done, especially after the grenfell images

  • 

    sickofiso on 05/09/2021 - 13:22

    +2

    I fully understand it should get done. Again, I'm not against the works from happening.

    But I literally cannot work, my family's wellbeing including mine is rapidly deteriorating. If the government eases the restrictions tomorrow, I would gladly like the work to start tomorrow.

    It is just that we are trapped inside a box where everyone is drilling and blasting around it.

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  Jugganautx on 05/09/2021 - 13:40

  I heae Sony 1000XM4s are pretty good.

  • 

    sickofiso on 05/09/2021 - 17:16

    I've got the XM2s :) And yes, they're still pretty awesome. But not exactly what I am after for the noise reduction.
    Probably need the "Cone of Silence".

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  Mechz on 05/09/2021 - 13:55

  I just went through recladding works. Communication was good from the body corp and works crew.

  The noise is unavoidable, if it's really a major health concern you should just sign a 6 month lease somewhere and move. Weather will shut down works for many days, hence no fixed end date.

  • 

    sickofiso on 05/09/2021 - 17:15

    Thanks Mechz. I appreciate the honest feedback.

    The works crew is doing the best they can. I am not faulting them for anything and we are keeping things civil and respectful between us.

    Body corp should have done better and communicated this with everyone. We will be trying to move as soon as we can start doing inspections again.

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  kanmen on 05/09/2021 - 17:18

  I feel like you won't win either way and sympathise with you for that but imagine if something happened and there was a fire in the interim. I'm sure there would be people angry that the work wasn't done faster or why the work was stopped when cladding safety is a very important issue. Perhaps with more people at home the risk is even higher of something happening and a lot of casualties.

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    sickofiso on 05/09/2021 - 17:28

    Thanks I understand the idea behind the works.
    It's only a low rise with 12 apartments. In terms of risk, we are definitely on the low end of the scale.
    As mentioned I want the works to be carried out. But just not when all residents are left with zero options at the moment.

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  GourmetFoodie on 05/09/2021 - 22:18

  That sucks. I’d go nuts. Sorry but given it’s a safety issue I don’t think you can do anything to delay it.

  I think you just have to move ASAP. I think agents can do virtual tours? Otherwise inspections are meant to be starting up again in a few weeks hopefully. Noise cancelling headphones until then and with weather improving I’d be heading to the local park to work on my laptop.

  You might be able to ask landlord for rent reduction potentially too in the meantime or early release from contract without penalty if you are not month to month?

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  sickofiso on 07/09/2021 - 10:25

  Thanks GF for the kind words. We are trying to move ASAP and are looking at virtual tours. But we are very risk adverse. So we rather see something and have a feel before getting it. Less regrets later.

  Yeah, just sitting in the car and doing the important meetings. Not much else that we can do.