RENOVATIONS & MAINTENANCE

Discovering a building defect in your apartment or common property can be concerning for owners and residents. Whether it’s a water leak, cracking walls, faulty waterproofing or issues with balconies or windows, defects can impact both the safety of the building and the value of the property. Understanding how to identify, report and manage building defects is important for owners corporations, particularly in newer buildings where builder warranties may still apply. Here is

In many strata buildings across NSW, lifts are one of the most important shared assets. They support daily movement throughout the building, provide essential access for residents with mobility needs, and are relied on by everyone from residents to delivery drivers and emergency services. Because lifts are such a critical part of a building’s infrastructure, they require regular servicing, strict safety compliance and clear reporting processes to ensure they remain safe and o

Older strata buildings offer charm, solid construction and great locations — but they also come with predictable maintenance challenges. If your strata scheme is 15, 25 or 40+ years old, proactive planning is the difference between controlled, staged upgrades  and expensive emergency repairs . This guide explains how NSW strata schemes can create a realistic long-term maintenance plan for ageing buildings — to manage risk, control costs and meet legal obligations. Why older s

What Is a Strata Maintenance Plan – and Why It Matters A strata maintenance plan is a legally required document that outlines all major assets of a building and the ongoing maintenance required to keep it compliant, safe, and financially sustainable. From 2024 onward, developers in NSW must prepare and submit a detailed maintenance plan  for any new strata scheme. This is part of the NSW Government’s reforms aimed at improving building quality and protecting owners from unexp

Thinking about renovating your apartment? Here’s what you need to know Renovating a strata property isn’t as simple as starting work once you’ve hired a tradie. In NSW, renovations are regulated to protect the building’s structure and amenity for all residents. Understanding the right approval pathway can save you weeks of delays and costly rejections . Three Categories of Renovations Under NSW Strata Laws 1. Cosmetic work (no approval needed) You can do these without a vote

Keeping your building in shape — and your levies predictable Owning a property in a strata scheme isn’t just about maintaining your own lot — it’s about protecting the long-term value of the entire building. A well-structured strata maintenance plan , also known as a capital works fund plan  or sinking fund plan , helps committees budget wisely, avoid financial shocks, and keep the building compliant with NSW strata legislation. What is a strata maintenance plan? A strata mai

1. What are "minor renovations"? These include works like installing or replacing wood or other hard floors, updating kitchens,...

Thinking of upgrading your unit with sleek new floating floorboards? They’re stylish, easy to maintain, and can instantly modernise your...

1. Understanding strata rules on external painting In strata, external walls and façades are usually common property . This means...