Over the years there has been a huge growth in multi-storey private residences and high rise buildings to meet the demands of the ever increasing population. You would hope that builders get it right, however, we know that this is not always the case. So we can find once a building is completed it will have a list of defects that require fixing. Fixing balcony leaks can be a problem as it is diffi...

This is a question I have been asked more than once by frustrated building owners, even owners of new buildings.  Poor design can certainly be a contributory factor in leaking buildings, particularly modern buildings.

“Surely modern buildings are less likely to leak than older buildings” is a not uncommon response to this answer.  Logically you would think so, but unfortunately this is not necessar...

Recently a friend needed to get some advice regarding a water leak in a renovated house in Melbourne. There was a problem with the tiled balcony which sits over the top of two bedrooms. The house was extensively renovated a few years before and all appeared OK – no leaks and no cracks. Now however, there were cracks appearing in the internal plaster walls and water was leaking from the tiled balco...

This should be an easy task, but it isn’t.  Just because someone calls himself or herself an expert, it doesn’t make them one.  Essentially it comes down to knowledge, experience and reputation.

Knowledge

Don’t necessarily be taken in by a ‘leak expert’ who turns up with all the latest infrared leak scanning devices and equipment.  ‘All the gear, no idea’ is a phrase that can apply here.  The r...

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these are questions I am asked frequently, all too often in an incredibly exasperated tone of voice and accompanied by a somewhat worried look.

To the homeowner or resident, a building leak is not only a source of damage to their property, but can be a very traumatic experience.  The thought is never far away, particularly if the building is new, that ‘if my building is leak...

Are you thinking of a bathroom renovation?  Be warned.  While the ever-growing number of home makeover television programs and glossy magazines feature shiny people remodelling tired bathrooms into gleaming wet rooms, careful planning and expert advice is essential.

Here are my own top three bathroom renovation pitfalls to avoid, which will hopefully save you time, money and aggravation.

Trying...

Before I get sprung – I have to confess – the title was borrowed from an article about leaking high-rise buildings in Hong Kong. The article makes the point that the problem of leaking buildings in modern construction is not limited to Australia.

I have spent 20 years in Melbourne working on buildings. Much of that time constructing new homes and apartments, as well as extending old inner city home...