We see it all the time – strata properties that are allowed to fall into such a state of degradation that major repairs are required to fix the problem, leading to overblown budgets, huge disruptions and unhappy owners. But proactive strata building maintenance provides another way to manage property upkeep and repairs. With the help of a reliable contractor such as Higgins, you'll find yourself saving time, money and stress in the long term.
Here are some of the many advantages of having a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to strata building maintenance.
Advantages of proactive maintenance
1. Reduced costs
Surface damage can lead to significant repairs, which can come with a significant price tag. By scheduling maintenance work on a regular basis, you can prevent damage, decay or rot from even occurring in the first place, simply by undertaking painting or surface cleaning, which costs much less.
2. Better budget planning
When managing a sinking fund, it is important to plan ahead as well as budget for the unexpected, and big withdrawals can make this much more difficult. Painting, for example, is typically done every 7–10 years and often comes at a large expense, but by spreading this cost out into smaller jobs, you can plan ahead easily and ensure there are funds left in the coffers should anything catch you off-guard.
Higgins offers several maintenance painting solutions, from pay-as-you-go to even spread, so you can pick the solution that suits your budget and needs perfectly.
3. Easier organisation
As a Strata Manager, you likely have a lot of day-to-day responsibilities that can be difficult to juggle. Preventative maintenance means one less thing on your plate, as maintenance is regularly scheduled without you having to think about it. It also means fewer rude shocks, as more frequent inspections mean potential issues like water damage or rust are detected and addressed early before they develop into much more significant problems.
4. Added peace of mind
When you work with a trusted contractor, you can be confident that they are up-to-date with the latest painting and maintenance developments, as well as with the most recent safety and legislative requirements. Higgins, for example, boasts a tri-certification accreditation as part of our commitment to safety, quality and the environment.
Working with a high-calibre contractor is especially important if you manage a strata property that is a significant landmark or has historical importance. For example, when we secured the maintenance schedule for the iconic Colgate Palmolive building in Sydney’s Balmain, we took great pains to match the existing colour scheme exactly, carry out exterior works in a timely manner so residents could continue to enjoy the use of their balconies, and ensure the safety of the many locals who use the site for walking and jogging. It is this sort of attention to detail that makes Higgins the preferred painting contractor for Strata Community Australia.
Working with the same contractor for multiple jobs also means that contractor will be more familiar with the property, making it easier to get approval from the strata committee for future jobs.
5. Happier owners and residents
By proactively maintaining the strata property, you can stay ahead of complaints from owners and residents, as issues will be addressed before they are even aware of them. Smaller maintenance jobs on a more regular basis are also far less disruptive to residents than major repair works, all of which amount to happier, more satisfied owners and residents.
Proactive maintenance tips
Here are a few proactive strata building maintenance tips to help you keep your property in tip-top shape.
1. Wash surfaces at least once annually
By washing surfaces annually, you can extend the lifetime of your paintwork by several years. For basic cleaning of an exterior surface, mix environmentally friendly detergent in a bucket of warm water, and apply with a soft-bristle cleaning brush or broom. Start at the top of the building and move down, to prevent streaking, and rinse off with a garden hose before it dries.
2. Be smart about planned maintenance
Planned maintenance painting does not mean the surface must be painted at the scheduled time. This is neither technically correct, nor economically expedient. Rather, it should be dependent on the condition of the surface – you may find the surface only needs to be washed, which costs less than a repaint.
Surfaces also do not deteriorate at the same rate – generally speaking, the west wall will show the first signs of wear and tear, followed by the north wall, the east wall and finally the south wall. Planning your maintenance accordingly will ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
3. Mechanically clean rather than convert rust
While rust converters seem might like a great time-saver, they are not recommended by Standards Australia. Instead, rust should be removed via mechanical means, like high-power washing, mechanical abrasion or hand sanding, then spot-primed and top-coated. This should be carried out by a suitably qualified professional applicator.
4. Fix timber cracks in a timely manner
When timber cracks, moisture can enter the area, causing blistering, mould and rotting. That’s why cracks should be addressed as quickly as possible. Rectification should be carried out by a suitably qualified professional applicator.
5. Clean mould and mildew in a timely manner
Mould or mildew is a common paint problem in strata properties that can pose a serious health threat to residents, causing allergic reactions and breathing difficulties. Any mould or mildew should be cleaned as quickly as possible by washing the surface with a solution that is one part bleach, four parts water, and then rinsing thoroughly while the surface is still wet.
With so many different stakeholders to manage, budgets to meet and outcomes to deliver, strata managers have a challenging task on their hands when overseeing a painting project. This best practice guide offers valuable tips for strata maintenance that will help you generate value and drive constant improvements. Download it now.
Higgins Coatings is Australia's premier commercial painting contractor with over 70 years of experience in providing a cost-effective painting service and tailored maintenance solution. We help strata managers plan their painting requirements and execute them with minimal disruption to residents. Contact us today for a quote.
