There are many benefits to strata living. There is a level of comfort, convenience and community.
However, strata residents also are subject to some shared responsibility and knowing the legal and safety obligations that apply to you is important.
Whether it is structural degradation or water leaks, maintaining a safe building is critical and knowing what is and isn’t your responsibility when it comes to safety hazards, risks and maintenance is equally vital.
You can explore our excellent Sydney-wide Strata Property Maintenance services here.
What are the Common Safety Hazards in Strata Buildings?
Over time, environmental factors such as weather and even the building’s age can cause materials to weaken or elements to corrode. When these defects go unmaintained or monitored, they can snowball into serious safety risks (and require costly repairs) for residents and visitors.
The most common safety hazards in strata buildings and complexes are:
- Structural defects
- Concrete spalling
- Waterproofing failure
- Facade degradation
Concrete spalling (concrete cancer)
When you notice cracked or crumbling concrete or exposed rusting steel reinforcements, this might be a sign that some serious concrete repair work is needed.
Concrete spalling or cancer can occur over time and without prompt remedial work can cause significant building issues.
Water leaks and dampness
Failed membranes or eroded sealants can lead to water damage and mould growth. Neither of which are good for your building or residents.
If you notice water leaking or damp roofs, walls or floors, you may need remedial waterproofing.
Balcony and facade cracks
Cracks on a balcony or facade can indicate subsurface movement or water ingress. Left unattended, these issues can pose serious safety risks to you and your neighbours.
Uneven surfaces or damaged tiles
Simple hazards, such as uneven surfaces from damaged bricks or tiles pose a trip and fall risk for residents and tenants. Whilst simple and relatively inexpensive, these issues should not be neglected.
Blocked drainage or roof gutters
Without ongoing maintenance, drainage systems and gutters can get blocked with debris and other items.
When the water overflows it can result in costly damage to your property.
How BIM Remedial can help
Our team can provide a full building assessment and diagnosis. We will identify items requiring compliance maintenance and areas that pose a safety or hazard risk. Plus, our remedial works ensure that the end result is as aesthetic as the process of repairing and maintaining is smooth.
Are risk assessments and inspections really that important?
Yes, they are.
Regular inspections allow for early issue identification. This results in less costly repairs, liability issues being prevented, and protected property value.
Owners Corporations vs Residents’ obligations
According to New South Wales strata legislation, the Owners Corporations are responsible for maintaining and repairing common property.
The Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) details these responsibilities:
- Maintaining common areas e.g., roofs, facades, balconies, and foundations.
- Ensuring leaks, drainage, and concrete spalling are repaired promptly.
- Making sure that waterproofing, safety barriers, and access areas all meet regulation requirements.
- Engaging qualified contractors, such as BIM Remedial, for compliant remedial work.
Ignoring early signs of deterioration, by not having regular inspections, can result in injury, financial penalties, and even compromised insurance implications.
Fortunately, the BIM Remedial team provides risk assessment services.
- We use non-invasive testing to detect underlying issues
- We provide compliant insurance reporting
- We operate to NSW compliance standards
- We ensure safety through certified remedial inspections
How can strata residents reduce building safety risks?
As a strata resident, your role in reducing building safety risks is crucial.
Whenever you notice signs of a potential issue, alerting your owners corporation or strata manager can ensure that hazards are dealt with and repair work organised as soon as possible.
- Always report leaks, cracks, or corrosion as early as possible.
- Ensure no unauthorised building modifications are carried out.
- Maintain balcony loads within safe limits.
- Keep an eye out for access corridors and fire exits being kept clear and unobstructed.
- Help out with annual safety audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a common property repair in a strata building?
Common property for a strata building is typically any part, section or element that is shared by and accessed by all residents. For example, this can include facades, slabs, balconies, plumbing, and roofs. These areas, considered common property, are the responsibility of the owners corporation. However, as residents, you can play a crucial role in helping to identify issues and safety hazards as early as possible.
How often should strata property inspections be carried out?
In general, it is recommended that a property inspection is carried out once every year or two. However, different factors, such as the building’s age, can change this. If you notice signs of damage, water ingress, or cracking we recommend contacting us here at BIM Remedial as soon as possible.
What are the consequences for neglecting strata maintenance obligations?
Failure to maintain common property can result in compliance notices from NSW Fair Trading. Insurance coverage can be compromised. Residents may be able to lodge civil claims as well.
Why choose BIM Remedial for your strata safety and maintenance needs?
Why choose BIM Remedial?
- We bring over three decades of remedial building experience
- We excel in providing cost-efficient and regulation-compliant building maintenance solutions
- We are Sydney locals and intimately familiar with what local strata buildings need
- We work tirelessly to address every resident’s concern
- We are focused on minimising disruption to all stakeholders
