Strata management in Sydney, like many other global cities, revolves around keeping properties in pristine condition. To protect and elevate the value of your property, a robust maintenance plan is paramount. By addressing maintenance proactively, owners can avoid the pitfalls of decay and costly repair work in the future. Here is a recommended way to approach it.
Understanding Strata Property Components
The essence of strata lies in its unique property division. A strata complex typically comprises individual lots, owned by specific unit or lot owners, and common property areas that aren’t owned by any individual but shared by all. It’s crucial to distinguish between these two, as their maintenance responsibilities differ.
Everything inside the airspace of a unit generally forms part of the individual lot, with maintenance falling under the particular owner. In contrast, areas outside this airspace, such as shared pathways, gardens and structural elements, are considered common property, and their upkeep is the responsibility of the Owners Corporation.
Crafting A Proactive Maintenance Plan
Here are the backbones of your strata management strategy in Sydney:
- Assessment and Regular Checks: Begin with a thorough assessment of the common property areas. This includes checking the condition of shared facilities, identifying potential problem areas and understanding the lifespan of critical components like lifts, roofs, and fire safety systems.
- Budgeting and Funding: Maintenance isn’t just about identifying problems; it’s also about having the financial resources ready to address them. Creating a maintenance fund, fed by annual fees and any additional levies if necessary, can ensure there’s always money set aside for ongoing maintenance.
- Engaging Professionals: While some tasks can be managed by the Owners Corporation directly, others require professional expertise. Hiring qualified contractors for tasks like pool maintenance, lift servicing, or large-scale repairs ensures the work is done right, keeping future problems and costs at bay.
- Emergency Preparedness: Not all maintenance can be scheduled. Unexpected issues like storm damage or sudden equipment failure can arise, demanding immediate attention. Having an emergency response protocol, complete with contacts for emergency tradespersons and a set procedure for addressing such situations, is vital.
Tackling Major Defects and Challenges
All buildings, irrespective of their age, are susceptible to defects. However, early identification and rectification are key. By being proactive and knowledgeable about these rights, strata owners can ensure any defects are rectified timely, avoiding further complications.
Inspiring Sustainability In Strata Management
Modern strata management isn’t just about upkeep; it’s also about evolving with the times. Incorporating sustainability initiatives, such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and waste management solutions, not only adds value to the property but also contributes to a greener future.
Engaging with sustainability consultants or researching successful initiatives in other strata schemes can pave the way for a more sustainable living environment.
With the right plan and proactive management, strata owners can ensure their property remains in top-notch condition, all while reaping the benefits of enhanced value, functionality and sustainability.
Get in touch with us at West Side Strata Management today to experience Sydney’s premier strata management.
