Hong Kong Buildings Department probes steel reinforcement defects at Stanley house

The Buildings Department announced it is investigating a house at One Stanley in Stanley after reports of steel reinforcement quality issues. The occupation permit was issued in July 2023, and the owner began decoration work shortly thereafter. In January, concerns were raised about the floor slabs’ structural safety. An on‑site inspection in March found no obvious danger, but subsequent tests from June to September revealed that the concrete cover of a ground‑floor beam lacked the required wire mesh and that some slab reinforcements deviated from approved plans. While the defects do not pose an immediate threat, the department says the work quality warrants further scrutiny. It has requested interviews with the authorised person, structural engineer, contractor and developer, and will pursue disciplinary action if violations are found. The Development Bureau plans to submit a bill to the Legislative Council by year‑end to increase penalties under the Buildings Ordinance.