The manager of HRM's building standards says his inspectors point out poor workmanship when they see it on condominium projects, but they can't catch everything.

Matt Covey was responding to questions as part of a CBC News investigation into questionable condo construction in the city.

A 2013 report prepared for the provincial government and leaked to CBC's investigative unit found widespread workmanship problems in condominium construction in Nova Scotia.

Covey estimates there is $800 million worth of construction this year in the city. A quarter of that represents multi-unit residential buildings, which would include condos and apartments.

Municipal inspectors are primarily concerned with making sure the construction meets Nova Scotia building code regulations that set standards for fire protection, occupant safety and accessibility.

However, Covey says they also point out potentially troublesome construction.

Issue an order and demand documentation

He says if inspectors find something problematic, they will issue an order that it be fixed, as well as demand documentation to prove the work has been carried out.

According to Covey, there are nine city staff members responsible for the inspection of condo projects and other large buildings. He says they might visit a particular site dozens of times during construction, but his inspectors can't catch everything.

"We have a reliance on the professionals to inspect those individual components to the building. The building official can't be there all the time," he said.

Covey says those professionals -- namely the project's engineers and architects -- are ultimately responsible for building a condominium complex properly.

Still, he says his staff carefully document incidents in case the matter ends up in court.

"Even phone conversations, they're typing them out so everything is there," he said.

Due diligence

"If there's a problem down the road and a succeeding owner is dealing with a problem, they've got a really good file that the city is going to be able to provide them to show our diligence."

It's rare, but the city can become embroiled in a lawsuit after problems arise with a project.

A condo corporation representing residents at The Brickyard complex at the corner of Maitland and Cornwallis streets is suing seven parties, including the developer, engineers and the city.

A condo corporation at The Brickyard is alleging HRM failed to warn about substandard work. (CBC News)

Halifax County Condominium Corporation No. 321 alleges HRM failed to warn about substandard work and, in some cases, didn't pick up on deficiencies in design and construction.

Among the alleged problems, the suit details poor flashing and cladding that lead to water infiltration, rotting wood and the growth of mould.

It also points to improperly installed steel channels for balconies.

The condominium corporation alleges the city was negligent because it failed to warn about the problems, order they be fixed, or withhold permits and approvals.

In its notice of defence, the city says, "These are not deficiencies or defects that could reasonably be expected to be detected."

The purpose of a municipal inspection, it says, is not to ensure the construction complies with an engineer or architect's plans.

It says its duty of care is limited to the Nova Scotia Building Code Act.

The case is still before the courts and none of the allegations has been proven in court.

'A little bit more accountability'

Chris Galbraith used to own a condo in a different area of The Brickyard complex. He is not part of the lawsuit.

Instead of going to court, he and other owners decided to pay $10,000 each for repairs to fix leaky units.

"I know I'd feel better if maybe there was a little bit more accountability for the build itself," he said.

"If these things can be monitored maybe a little bit more closely, that's definitely something I would feel better about. Looking back at the whole experience, is there room for improvement? Obviously."

A request for an interview with the company behind the project, Greenwood Lane, went unanswered.

Former condo owner Chris Galbraith says construction should be monitored more closely.

The issue of municipal accountability has also surfaced in other parts of the country.

In 2001, the city of Delta, B.C. was found partially liable for water damage at a condominium complex after the province's Supreme Court ruled the city was lax in enforcing the building code.

The judge ordered a settlement of $3.2 million.

Since then, several B.C. municipalities have approved bylaws that pass on the responsibility of building code inspections of condos -- and the potential liability when something goes wrong -- to architects and engineers, instead of municipal building inspectors.

Covey says Halifax has no plan to bring in a similar bylaw here.

Mandatory warranty program?

He says there are other ways to provide security for condo unit owners, including a mandatory warranty program and a registry of licensed builders.

He says that would likely be voluntary and could involve requiring builders to take training courses and safety programs.

Patrick Cassidy, a Halifax lawyer who represents both developers and condominium corporations, says both groups are in favour of mandatory warranties.

"I mean every developer wants to build the best that they can build. Developers don't build because they're not proud of their product and if this increases the strength of the industry, then it only increases the pride of their product. I don't know anyone who's against this," he said.