smh.com.au
NSW Building Defects: 40% of New Homes Unfixed
In NSW, 40% of new standalone houses with defects are not being rectified on time, despite the Building Commission's expanded remit and budget; widespread non-compliant construction and a shortage of qualified builders are contributing factors.
- What are the primary causes contributing to the high rate of defective construction in newer suburbs of Sydney?
- The prevalence of defective building work in NSW is widespread, particularly affecting newer suburbs in the west and southwest. A contributing factor is the use of accelerated learning pathways for tradespeople, resulting in a larger pool of underqualified workers. This has led to significant issues such as poor waterproofing, causing structural damage and mould.
- What are the immediate consequences of the high percentage of unrectified defects in newly built standalone homes in NSW?
- In NSW, 40% of new standalone houses with defects have not had these rectified within the timeframe set by the Building Commission. This is despite the commission expanding its remit and budget to include standalone houses last year. The high number of defects points to systemic issues within the construction industry.
- What systemic changes are needed to address the issue of widespread defective building work in NSW and prevent similar problems in the future?
- The long-term impact of this widespread defective construction will be increased costs for homeowners, who may face lengthy legal battles or difficulty accessing insurance to rectify defects. The current regulatory measures, while improving transparency, are insufficient to address the root causes of the problem and prevent future occurrences. The industry needs to address the skills shortage and improve training.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue primarily around the negative consequences of defective building work, highlighting the problems faced by homeowners and the challenges faced by the Building Commission. While acknowledging the positive aspects of the commission's work, such as the Verify NSW website, the emphasis is firmly on the significant problems and shortcomings in the system. The headline, while neutral, focuses on the high number of defects rather than the efforts made to address them, leading to a more negative overall impression. The repeated use of phrases like "serious defects", "shoddy work", and "dodgy builders" contribute to a negative framing. The quote about "a deep denial about the quality of home construction" sets a negative tone from early on.
Language Bias
The article uses strong and emotive language to describe the situation, such as "serious defects", "widespread, statewide non-compliant construction", and "shoddy work". These terms carry a negative connotation and may influence reader perception. The use of "dodgy builders" is particularly loaded and potentially unfair to the whole building industry. More neutral alternatives could include "building defects", "non-compliant construction", "substandard workmanship", and "builders who fail to meet standards". The use of "catch and kill" in describing the commission's work is also dramatic and potentially sensationalizes the issue. A more neutral alternative would be to describe the commission's work as investigating and rectifying.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the problems with defective building work but omits discussion of potential solutions beyond increased regulation and oversight. While it mentions a shortfall in qualified builders and deficiencies in education, it doesn't delve into specific proposals for addressing these issues, such as increased funding for training programs or stricter licensing requirements. The article also doesn't explore the role of developers or the pressures they face in meeting housing targets, which could contribute to the problem. Furthermore, the perspectives of builders are largely absent, only represented through the actions of the Building Commission and the quoted rectification order. The article also doesn't address the effectiveness of the current regulatory mechanisms in deterring shoddy work.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between the "good news" of the commission's expanded remit and the "bad news" of widespread defects. It implies that the only two options are celebrating the expansion or ignoring the problem entirely. This overlooks the possibility that the expansion of the commission's remit is necessary but insufficient to address the scale of the problem. The article also presents a false dichotomy between transparency and compliance, implying they are mutually exclusive. The conclusion suggests that while transparency is improving, compliance is lagging, neglecting the possibility of synergistic effects between the two.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights widespread defects in newly constructed homes in Sydney, impacting the quality of life and potentially hindering the creation of sustainable urban environments. Poor construction practices lead to issues like water damage, mold, and structural problems, affecting the long-term habitability and sustainability of these new homes. The lack of qualified builders and insufficient training contribute to this problem, creating unsustainable practices within the construction industry.