So we turned it into tools. Four of them, free, on this website, no sign-up, and your answers stay in your browser rather than on our server. Here is what each one does and when to reach for it.

1. The Building Health Check: three minutes, a traffic light, and an AGM page

53% of surveyed NSW apartment buildings of four or more storeys, registered between 2016 and 2022, reported at least one serious common property defect, and the 2025 survey found the same rate again. The Building Health Check tells you which side of that number your building is likely on. Ten taps about the symptoms you can see, water stains, drummy render, cracking with rust, and it scores your building against the NSW pattern and hands you a printable one page summary, written to be tabled at your next AGM, with suggested wording for the minutes.

Use it when something looks off and you want to know how seriously to take it, or before an AGM when the committee needs a starting point that is not a guess.

2. The Defect Map: see where buildings actually fail

Everyone talks about defects. Nobody had drawn one. So we did. The Defect Map is a section drawing of a typical NSW strata building with the seven places buildings actually fail, drawn from the survey data and numbered down the section from roof to basement. Tap a zone and you see what goes wrong there, the early warning signs and how serious it gets. Then press Follow the water and watch one storm find five ways into the same building, because five stains in five apartments are usually one weather event.

Use it to understand a leak that keeps coming back, or to show an owner why the stain on their ceiling started three floors up.

3. The DBP Check: does that repair need a registered practitioner?

Since July 2021, most remedial work on class 2 apartment buildings needs registered designs and registered practitioners, lodged on the NSW Planning Portal before work starts. Some work is excluded, emergency work runs on its own clock, and class 3 and 9c buildings have been regulated since July 2023, with remedial work on existing ones caught from July 2028. The DBP Check walks you through six taps and shows the likely pathway for your job, so you know what to ask for before you engage anyone.

Use it before you sign anything. It is sixty seconds that can save a committee from paying for work that cannot be certified.

4. The Capital Works Fund Check: is the money ready before the building needs it?

Of the surveyed buildings that could confirm what their serious defects cost, 46% used a special levy to help cover it. That is what an under-prepared fund looks like when the bill arrives. NSW law sets no minimum balance; it requires a 10-year capital works plan, reviewed at least every five years, with levies set against it. The Capital Works Fund Check takes about ten taps and three numbers, runs your scheme against those rules and the industry benchmarks, and hands back the same traffic-light verdict and printable AGM summary as the Health Check, with suggested wording for the minutes.

Use it before the AGM sets next year’s levies, or when a big repair is on the horizon and the committee needs to know whether the fund can carry it.

Planning external work on a townhouse or villa scheme? The owners corporation approves first, and a planning pathway applies on top. The Approval Check covers that second half in two minutes, and it is the one place a strata owner is most likely to assume a development application is unavoidable when it is not.

Why a builder gives this away

Because the alternative is worse for everyone. Buildings where problems are found late cost more to fix, cause more grief, and end in disputes. Only about a third of buildings with serious defects ever report them to the regulator, which means most buildings are carrying problems quietly. We would rather meet a building at the early signs stage than at the four failed repairs stage, and if a free tool starts that conversation sooner, it has done its job.

The tools are general guidance, not advice, and none of them replaces a professional inspection. But they will make you a better-informed client, whoever you end up engaging. Start with the Building Health Check, and if the result raises questions, we are at 1800 93 94 95.

Projex Pro recently completed a Rope Access Window Replacement in Sydney CBD, upgrading the façade at 60 Park Street with modern louvre systems.

Conducted primarily through rope access night works, the works were completed without disturbing tenants while enhancing safety, ventilation, and energy efficiency across the building.

Project Challenges

• Restricted daytime access due to Sydney CBD traffic and safety regulations.
• Complex high-rise façade repair needing professional rope access techniques.
• Limited working hours — most tasks done at night to avoid disruption.
• Safe removal of fragile, non-reusable glass panels requiring precision handling.

Our Approach

• Night Work & Planning: Operations are scheduled during off-peak hours and weekends to minimise disruption.
• Rope Access Expertise: No scaffolding needed, maintaining a clear façade and saving costs.
• Precision & Safety: Applied protective film before removing fragile glass to prevent debris hazards.
• Collaborative Coordination: Worked directly with building management for compliance and smooth communication.

Project Outcome

• Smooth installation of modern louvre windows.
• Delivered on time and within budget.
• Night works, so tenants and businesses were not disturbed.
• A significant upgrade in ventilation, energy efficiency, and building aesthetics.

Why It Matters

This project showcases Projex Pro’s remedial construction expertise in high-rise Sydney CBD environments, combining rope access, fire compliance awareness, and nighttime safety protocols to deliver the result.

Talk to Us

If you’re managing a high-rise or commercial property that requires façade or window upgrades, Projex Pro can provide a tailored solution that works around your building’s needs.
Contact us today to discuss your next project.

Address: Oxford St & Jersey Rd, Woollahra NSW 2025

Scope of work

Projex Pro was engaged to resolve severe water ingress and structural issues while undertaking a large-scale rooftop renovationat The Light Brigade Hotel—an iconic, multi-level hospitality venue. The project presented a range of complex challenges, includingextensive water damage, sagging ceilings, compromised waterproofing, and water ingress into the commercial kitchen. These issues required a comprehensive, coordinated response combining remedial expertise with high-end renovation works.

Key Works Completed

Projex Pro delivered a staged remedial + renovation solution, including:

• Full roof replacement and waterproofing
• Drainage upgrades and lift shaft repair
• Custom bar rebuild with brass polishing and timber finishes
• Epoxy kitchen floor, ceiling repair, and improved drainage
• New rooftop landscaping, decking, and gas heating
• Full repainting, custom mural works, and interior carpet upgrades
• Safety enhancements across access and stairways
• Custom joinery and furniture built in-house

Result

Through a seamless integration of remedial construction and renovation,

Projex Pro transformed The Light Brigade Hotel into a revitalised, resilient venue.

We restored the building’s structural integrity and delivered high-quality finishes with meticulous attention to detail. The space now meets modern standards while retaining its character, function, and long-term durability.

When a major storm hits Sydney, the aftermath can be chaotic. Cracks widen. Leaks suddenly appear. Balconies begin showing signs of movement.

If you manage a residential or commercial building, the days straight after a storm are the critical window to act. At Projex Pro, we support strata and commercial clients with post-storm assessments, emergency make-safes, and long-term remedial strategies.

And here’s something many building managers overlook:
The ideal time to have a professional assess your site is while the storm damage is still fresh.

When water ingress is actively occurring, it’s far easier to trace the source, document the damage, and explain the root cause to committees or insurers. It gives you hard evidence in real time, not just water stains weeks later.

What to Inspect After a Major Storm

1. Façades and Cladding

   Look for signs of displacement, hairline cracking, or movement, especially on older buildings or those with rendered finishes.

2. Water Ingress Points

   Inspect ceilings, walls, balconies, window frames, and common areas for any signs of new staining, leaks, or mould.

3. Drainage and Balcony Systems

   Overflowing drains, pooling water, and blocked scuppers often signal deeper issues with waterproofing or fall design.

4. Fire Compliance Zones

   Wind and water can dislodge covers, obscure signage, or block access points. All are potential compliance risks.

5. Structural Cracks

   Keep an eye on stairwells, slab edges, and columns. Even small shifts can indicate movement that needs urgent review.

Why It Matters

Ignoring these signs can:

• Lead to escalating structural damage
• Jeopardise insurance claims if reported too late
• Expose committees and owners to long-term liability

We understand the pressure strata managers are under after a major storm: coordinating trades, answering residents, and managing building risk. That’s why Projex Pro offers priority storm response services with calm, practical support.

How We Help After a Storm

• Storm damage inspections with written reports
• Emergency make-safes (licensed and insured)
• Remedial quote packs for strata committee approval
• Licensed building services for complex or high-risk work on Class 2 buildings.

Need help?

We prioritise site visits for storm-impacted buildings across Sydney. Let us help you stabilise the situation and move forward with confidence.

Book a site assessment or email us directly at office@projexpro.com.au

But what you see on the surface is rarely the full story.

At Projex Pro, we’ve been called to sites where a minor drip turned out to be a major defect. Water that enters through a cracked tile or blocked gutter can travel down internal walls, soak into insulation, corrode fixings, and even compromise your home’s fire safety or structural integrity.

In fact, over 40% of building complaints in NSW strata schemes are linked to water-related defects, according to Fair Trading and Deakin University. And for private homes? Roof and gutter failures consistently rank among the top three causes of insurance claims nationwide.

What Causes Most Roof Leaks?

• Blocked or overflowing gutters
• Cracked or missing tiles
• Lifting or deteriorated flashing around skylights, chimneys, or vents
• Poor maintenance of tree overhang and leaf build-up
• Wind-driven rain entering vulnerable roof junctions

The scary part? Most of these issues aren’t visible from the ground.

What You Can Do Now to Stay Ahead

1. Walk your home after a heavy rain. Look for drips, stains, or swelling in ceilings or corners.
2. Clean your gutters every 3–6 months, more often if you’re surrounded by trees.
3. Book a professional roof inspection if you’ve had recent storms, visible staining, or your roof is over 10 years old.

Most serious leaks can be prevented with regular maintenance. And if you do spot something, acting quickly can save you thousands.

At Projex Pro, we don’t just patch the damage. We find the source.

If you’re worried about a leak or just want peace of mind, give us a call. We offer on-site inspections with photographic reporting, clear recommendations and repairs that address the cause.

Based in Neutral Bay, we work across Sydney, from the Northern Beaches to the CBD.

Whether it’s your forever home or an investment refresh, this checklist will help you avoid the stress, budget blowouts, and mid-reno surprises.

1. Don’t skip the site inspection.
Before you design, find out what’s really going on: water damage, concrete cracking, outdated electricals. We always start with what’s hidden beneath the surface.

2. Check your compliance (seriously).
Is your home in a bushfire zone? Strata title? Older property? You might need approvals, asbestos checks, or fire compliance upgrades before anything else.

3. Budget smarter, not just bigger.
Add a 10–20% buffer for unknowns, especially if you’re renovating an older home.

4. Good design is about flow, not just finishes.
3D renders help you see how the space actually works: light, movement, storage, outdoor connection. The aim is a home that is timeless and functional.

5. Plan around real life.
Still living at home during the reno? Kids? Pets? Staging the build in phases can reduce disruption. We’ll guide you through the smart way to sequence things.

6. Choose the right builder (not just the cheapest).
Ask about licences, insurance, past projects, and whether they understand both design and structural upgrades. That mix of structural depth and design-led thinking is what Projex Pro brings to every renovation.

7. Visualise it before you commit.
You don’t need to guess what your home will look like. We offer 3D renders and planning support so you can see it before we build it, with less back-and-forth along the way.

Need a hand planning your renovation?
We can help from planning through to build, including structural upgrades, waterproofing, layout planning and finish selection. We know what to look for before things go wrong.

• Based in Neutral Bay, working across Sydney
• Book a walkthrough

But what happens when the paint starts to bubble, or a damp patch appears on the ceiling?

That’s when people call us.
And more often than not, what we find behind the walls tells a very different story.

It’s the people in the middle who carry the cost.

Over the years, we’ve uncovered the same patterns again and again:

• Waterproofing failures causing slow leaks and hidden mould
• Rusted steel and failing concrete behind brand-new cladding
• Balconies that don’t drain properly, causing water ingress into living spaces
• And often, no clear answer on who is accountable for the original work

The result?

Owners left footing the bill for mistakes they didn’t make.

“We had no idea. We were completely blindsided.”

That’s what Jake and Lucy told The Guardian in 2024 after buying into a Sydney apartment block. Weeks later, they were hit with a $100,000 special levy. The building had hidden structural issues, and urgent remediation was non-negotiable. Jake now works two jobs and pays off the levy at $10,000 a month.
(Source)

Stories like these are increasingly common.

What’s the cost of these hidden defects?

• Financial: Special levies and repair costs that were never budgeted for.
• Emotional: The stress of living with unresolved defects and an uncertain repair bill.
• Health: Living with mould, dampness, and poor ventilation can impact everything from asthma to mental wellbeing.
• Displacement: Some owners end up having to sell because they can’t keep up with the costs.

And the kicker?
These issues were almost always avoidable.

What We’ve Learned at Projex Pro

We’ve been called in to repair defects hidden behind finished work. Here’s what that’s taught us:

1. The surface doesn’t tell the whole story.
We always inspect deeply, even if it means cutting into walls or digging deeper during quoting.

2. Documentation is your best friend.
We photograph and report as we go, and keep every client informed.

3. There’s no such thing as a “cheap fix.”
Quick patch jobs usually cost more in the end. We repair the underlying cause.

4. Care matters.
We’re builders and homeowners ourselves. We know what it means to protect your space.

Between 2016 and 2022, over 53% of new strata buildings in New South Wales were found to have serious defects, according to data from Building Commission NSW. Of those, nearly half involved waterproofing failures.

It’s a headline that’s done the rounds, but what’s often missing is the context:

• Why these issues are happening
• What it means for property owners and strata managers
• And how to approach remediation the right way

Why Waterproofing Tops the List (Every Time)

Waterproofing is one of the first systems installed, and often the first to fail.

Why? Because it’s easy to bury poor workmanship early in the build. Once finishes go on top, it’s out of sight, out of mind… until it starts leaking into ceilings, common areas, or commercial tenancies.

At Projex Pro, these are the most common causes we see:

• Incorrect membranes for the environment
• Rushed installation over damp or unprepared surfaces
• Missing or inadequate movement joints
• Incompatible detailing between trades

And the impact? Major.
Water finds its way into everything: concrete, steel, gyprock, timber, kitchens and electrical systems.
Left untreated, it escalates fast and quietly.

How Defects Impact More Than Just the Building

A leaking planter box or rooftop isn’t just a construction issue. It becomes a financial and emotional one too.

It impacts:

• Owner confidence
• Committee stress levels
• Insurance premiums
• Rental income
• Resale value

We’ve seen buildings under 10 years old undergo four separate waterproofing repairs, all failed.
Not due to poor materials, but poor execution.

So What Do You Do When You See the Signs?

Start early. Don’t wait for the damage to spread.

The key to smart remedial work:

• Investigate first. Don’t guess, get a professional diagnosis.
• Scope it properly. Patch jobs won’t prevent future failure.
• Execute it professionally. Focus on long-term performance, not quick fixes.

At Projex Pro, we don’t just stop the leak, we find and fix the cause.
And we make sure you understand every step of what we’re doing, and why.

3 Questions Strata Managers Should Be Asking

1. Do I know the root cause of the issue?
   → If not, don’t sign off on a fix.
2. Has this area been repaired before?
   → Repeating the same scope = repeating the same failure.
3. Do I trust the team doing the work?
   → Remedial isn’t renovation. It requires experience, not assumptions.

The 53% figure isn’t just a problem.
It’s an opportunity to fix buildings properly and stop relying on short-term workarounds.

Waterproofing shouldn’t fail this often.

What We Do Differently When you work with us, you won’t get surface solutions.
You’ll get real investigation, scoped properly, delivered cleanly, with no shortcuts and no guesswork. We’ve fixed waterproofing failures caused by poor sequencing, cut corners and missed details in the original build. At Projex Pro, we know waterproofing isn’t just a trade, it’s a system. And we treat it like one.

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