Fortunately, the wooden framing showed no harmful mould when the cladding was removed, Cummins said, and "thankfully" posed no health risk to the tenants.
Work has been under way for three years and would be completed at the end of the year.
A weathertight homes tribunal decision established a claim of $2.1m for a complete reclad of the two apartments on the top level.
The claim comprised $1.73m for building repairs, interest of $154,000 and lost rent of about $265,000.
The council, which conceded it was negligent in respect of its inspection and a code compliance certificate issue, was ordered to pay Cummins $1.05m.
The tribunal said Cummins' negligence contributed to 50 per cent of the claim because he did not obtain a building report or LIM report before buying the apartments in 2006 and did not have appropriate regard to the content of the body corporate minutes.
Cummins, who owns the apartments through Manchester Securities Limited, has lodged an appeal in the High Court to seek the full $2.1m.
Auckland Council has welcomed the decision from the tribunal. "We are considering our next steps following an appeal being lodged by Manchester Securities," a spokeswoman said.