The catastrophic partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Florida on 24 June 2021, underscored the dire consequences of neglecting building repairs.
As the third-largest building failure in U.S. history, this tragedy claimed 98 lives, sparking global awareness of the risks associated with ageing structures.
Could a similar disaster happen in Australia? With an abundance of ageing strata properties across the country, building deterioration is a widespread and increasing concern.
This issue was addressed at Strata Community Insurance’s 2024 Autumn Forums, where Dr Nicole Johnston, Founder and Director of Strata Knowledge, shared her research on maintaining ageing strata properties.
Her findings highlighted problems like concrete spalling, water leaks, and structural cracks, common in older buildings, are prevalent in Australia.
Unfortunately, proactivity in addressing these issues is low, with many bodies corporate deferring repairs and relying on patchwork fixes.
This inaction is often due to poor financial planning and inadequate maintenance strategies. While sinking and capital works funds are intended to facilitate repairs, they often fall short of meeting statutory obligations.
To address these challenges and improve outcomes, Dr Johnston recommends that strata educators develop customised training for strata managers, focusing on effective maintenance planning and managing repair projects.
Guidelines for accurate record-keeping, especially for repair decisions, should also be prioritised.
Strata managers are also encouraged to regularly review sinking funds, present future expenditure projections at every committee meeting, and seek professional advice for contracts over $10,000. Establishing a detailed maintenance history and regularly reviewing sinking funds can also improve long-term planning.
Raising awareness about fire safety and asbestos risks during renovations is crucial for ensuring comprehensive building care.
For more resources, including building inspections and maintenance checklists, consult the Strata Toolkit.
We sincerely thank our Platinum Partners Strata Community Insurance for this editorial.
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