Should I be worried?

Hi, I’m new to the world of strata and would really appreciate some advice on what I think is an unusual issue. 

I am very close to buying a really great unit that we love, but it has some significant unapproved works and I’m note sure if I should just forget about this unit and look for something else or accept it as being ok.

Here’s the story …. 

The block is about 14 years old.  The unit’s  entitlement includes a small section of rooftop terrace area (covered) that was originally only accessible via the fire stairs.   Around 8 years ago the unit was upgraded by enclosing the roof top terrace area to form a small study/bedroom area. This enclosure is ok as it has council approval and an occupancy certificate.

However, the upgrade also includes insatalltion of a spiral staircase from the lower level into the newly formed room on the enclosed roof top terrace. This involved a 1200mm dia hole being drillied in the concrete slab that was the roof. It is all very professionally done,  its been in place for 8 years, and there is a certificate from a structural engineer  – however the staircase has not been approved by council or the owners corp.   I think the stairs were installed without approval after the occupancy certificate was issued for the enclosure. 

Not sure why it doesn’t have approval and I can’t imagine that the Owners Corp  doesn’t know about it. 

I need to make a decison quickly as there is another potential buyer in the picture  –  apart from structural integrity (which I think is ok) is there anything else I should be worried about?

Thanks