Painting: Q&A with Le Onde Apartments

Having serviced the strata industry for over 73 years, Higgins knows what it takes to transform a residential community. Above all, we put our customers first and collaborate to achieve the best possible outcome because we understand the pride residents take in their homes, just as we take pride in delivering high-quality painting projects no matter the size or complexity.

Today, Wollongong's Le Onde Apartments stands as one of the city's premier residential locations, centred in the heart of Wollongong's vibrant inner city. Until recently, the complex looked fatigued. After years of gradual deterioration brought on by the elements, the state of Le Onde's externals could no longer be ignored. Our Wollongong team relished the chance to perform a thorough external repaint at the property that we know will stand the test of time.

Upon completion, we caught up with resident and Strata Committee Member, Bill Dowson OAM as he reflects on the two-month painting project.

How was Higgins engaged to service the building?
In mid-2021 we sought quotes from reputable contractors to undertake a full external repaint of our 7-storey building. Whilst Higgins had not undertaken work for us in the past, they were recommended by a colleague working in the paint supply industry. Subsequently we requested that they be included in the tender process and their quote was accepted.

What was the scope of works completed at the property?
Our committee wrote the scope of works as part of the tender process, given that I had a little experience having owned a couple of paint retail outlets previously. Higgins graciously accepted the scope and then offered other options to consider. The completed works included a full pressure wash, some render patching, tri-colour exterior repaint of the building and a two-pack epoxy coating of roller doors and vents.

How did Higgins accommodate to the needs of the committee?
Higgins were excellent and by far the most professional in their approach. From the initial site meetings, through to discussions on weight loading on our driveways, product and service options and ongoing logistics planning, they accommodated all of our needs admirably.

How did the committee perceive Higgins' workmanship and overall project delivery?

Faultless, given that they also had to accommodate the schedules of 19 different families so that they could access balconies whilst also adjusting those schedules to adapt to difficult weather. The committee was very satisfied with the completed works as well as the follow-up thereafter. Overall, the end result was excellent and it (external repainting) is something that we don't have to worry about for another ten years.

Would you recommend Higgins to a colleague or peer?
I have already done so, and we will certainly ask Higgins to consider our upcoming internal repaint of common areas in the         near future.

- Bill Dowson OAM - Strata Committee Member