Whether you are a strata manager or the owner of a residential building, the ongoing challenge of maintaining properties whilst minimising costly repairs is difficult. As with medicine, being proactive and preventing problems is always more effective, less stressful and less costly than having to engage a remedial builder to come and repair the property.
A proactive maintenance approach can significantly reduce the risk of costly repairs whilst enhancing the safety, aesthetic, value and comfort of the property. So, what actionable steps can you take to help avoid costly repairs in the future?
1. Conduct Inspections Regularly
The key to preventing repair work from escalating out of control is to identify potential issues before they become big ones. Routine inspections are essential for this. They allow you to identify potential problems and tackle them whilst still minor issues. Waiting until there is an issue before inspecting is often too late.
So, establish a schedule for inspections and make sure you stick to it. We recommend a property inspection once every three months. When it comes to the inspection itself, ensure it covers these critical areas at a minimum:
- Roofs and gutters – always check for leaks, blockages and other damage.
- Common areas – ensure that the hallways, staircases and shared facilities are well maintained, clean and safe.
- Mechanical systems – inspect the HVAC systems, electrical systems and plumbing for signs of wear, damage or malfunction.
Always remember to document your inspections and findings meticulously. This allows you to track issues over time and ensure action is taken when necessary in a prompt manner.
2. Develop a Comprehensive Maintenance Plan
In addition to inspections, having a thorough plan to ensure ongoing maintenance is important.
A fit for purpose and well-structured maintenance plan should outline specific tasks that need to be carried out, detail how frequently they should be executed, and list who is responsible for which tasks.
Depending on your needs, you might find one large plan easier or separate plans for each of the following:
- Preventative Maintenance – These are tasks like HVAC system servicing, plumbing system checks and electrical inspections to prevent the risk of fire hazards.
- Cleaning Maintenance – Cleaning schedules should include internal areas, like common rooms, and external areas, like facades to maintain both aesthetics and safety.
- Emergency Protocols – This section of the plan should outline the procedure for addressing urgent and unanticipated repairs as swiftly as possible but with the minimal amount of disruption.
3. Utilise Modern-day Technology
Today, strata managers and building owners are able to leverage modern-day technology to streamline maintenance processes, keep on top of maintenance requirements and enhance communication with responsible parties and residents.
What sort of technology can be helpful? Maintenance management software allows easy, automated task scheduling, issue tracking and service request management. Online portals help facilitate easy reporting from residents and enhance communication.
4. Involve Building Residents
Another proactive strategy for avoiding costly repairs is to involve and recruit the residents of your building to help report maintenance issues promptly. Leveraging the exposure residents have to early-stage problems can help identify required repair work as soon as possible.
Additionally, it can foster a sense of community responsibility and help enhance property upkeep and cleanliness.
5. Invest in Preventative Measures
Being proactive can sometimes mean investing in preventative repair measures to ensure you save money in the long term.
Outdated systems, from aging plumbing to worn electrical systems, can present a significant liability. Staying on top of replacing and upgrading these systems can ensure they won’t fail and cause damage, costly repairs or even injury in the future.
Landscaping maintenance, facade maintenance and other building foundation work can also help to stave off potential issues that snowball into costly repair work down the line.
6. Document All Your Inspections and Maintenance Activities
This tactic is always going to pay off, but can be inconvenient for the one having to do it. Detailed records of inspections carried out, findings, repair work, and maintenance activities allows for a more proactive and informed approach to your building maintenance and can help communicate with potential remedial builders more effectively for better repair solutions.
7. Take Control of Your Budget
Costly repairs, no matter how proactive you are with your maintenance and inspection work, are often unavoidable. Being in control of your budget and putting aside funds for potential repair work, can save you a lot of stress and hassle down the road.
Ensure your annual budget accounts for provisions for both regular maintenance work and unexpected damage or repairs. The more financial foresight you have, the more you will be able to tackle emergencies whenever they arrive without having to worry about where the funds will come from.
BiM Remedial is Here to Help
By following the above seven proactive steps, it can be easier to avoid costly repairs wherever and whenever possible. Plus, the residents of your building will be happier, more comfortable and safer.
If you do need assistance with your building inspection, maintenance or repair work, make sure to reach out to the team here at BiM Remedial Sydney. Our team is experienced in a wide range of remedial building services, and have built a reputation for reliable and high-quality services on properties of all types across Sydney.
