The Key to a Smooth Post-Construction Phase: Early Engagement
We recently sat down with Chris Polin, Founder of DLP Manager, to discuss his approach to managing defects in the post-construction phase. As someone who spent years as a project manager, across several major projects, dealing with defect resolutions, he is no stranger to the frustration that comes with using...
Strata Q&A: Ask the Expert – Who repairs damages to common property caused by minor renovations?
With the establishment of the NSW Strata Hub online portal managed by NSW Fair Trading, Strata Choice completed its client reporting obligations on 31st December 2022 as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation). Schemes that have not undertaken the process must comply by...
Managing Building Defects between the Owners Corporation & Developer
No one likes dealing with building defects, but they are an unavoidable reality in new construction projects. Tensions often come to a head when defects are not addressed promptly, transparently or without proper rectification, which can lead to costly disputes between the owners corporation and the developer - but can...
Strata Q&A: Ask the Expert – Electronic Committee Meetings & Electronic Voting
With the establishment of the NSW Strata Hub online portal managed by NSW Fair Trading, Strata Choice completed its client reporting obligations on 31st December 2022 as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation). Schemes that have not undertaken the process must comply by...
Dos and Don’ts for Developers During the Initial Period of a Strata Scheme
The initial period for a strata scheme begins upon registration and continues until one-third of the lots are transferred from the developers to new owners. Under NSW strata legislation, the owners corporation assumes responsibility for maintaining common property from the date of strata plan registration, even during the initial period. However,...
Strata Q&A: Ask the Expert – Should the owners corporation replace a door for an owner with mobility issues?
With the establishment of the NSW Strata Hub online portal managed by NSW Fair Trading, Strata Choice completed its client reporting obligations on 31st December 2022 as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation). Schemes that have not undertaken the process must comply by...
A Blueprint for Establishing a Strong and Thriving Strata Community
The best developers don't just build structures; they create strong foundations for the communities in those structures to thrive long after their involvement ends. But creating these foundations doesn't just happen by chance — it takes careful planning, a community-centric approach, and an excellent understanding of how people will use...
Strata Q&A: Ask the Expert – What if the fire safety inspection date isn’t convenient?
With the establishment of the NSW Strata Hub online portal managed by NSW Fair Trading, Strata Choice completed its client reporting obligations on 31st December 2022 as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation). Schemes that have not undertaken the process must comply by...
Can Embedded Networks Deliver Good Outcomes for Strata Communities?
Large scale investment in the embedded network market has meant the net has been cast wider capturing more and more new developments. They are an attractive proposition as they can deliver significant material benefits by reducing development and ongoing system maintenance costs, enable bulk utility purchasing power and deliver efficient and...
Strata Q&A: Ask the Expert – Can voting be done in a meeting held via video conference?
With the establishment of the NSW Strata Hub online portal managed by NSW Fair Trading, Strata Choice completed its client reporting obligations on 31st December 2022 as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation). Schemes that have not undertaken the process must comply by...
Activating a Thriving Community in Year 1 of a New Strata Development
The first year in a new strata development is crucial for establishing a cohesive, thriving community. The handover to the owners through the initial period sets the stage for its ongoing success. Careful planning and establishing procedures that are well-managed and communicated can make all the difference. This article explores key...
Strata Q&A: Ask the Expert – Is Replacing an Air Conditioning Unit a Minor Renovation?
With the establishment of the NSW Strata Hub online portal managed by NSW Fair Trading, Strata Choice completed its client reporting obligations on 31st December 2022 as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation). Schemes that have not undertaken the process must comply by...
Strata Q&A: Ask the Expert – External Paint Colours & “Like for Like”
With the establishment of the NSW Strata Hub online portal managed by NSW Fair Trading, Strata Choice completed its client reporting obligations on 31st December 2022 as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation). Schemes that have not undertaken the process must comply by...
Why engage a strata manager early in the development process?
Engaging an experienced strata manager early in the development process, even before the Development Application (DA) stage, is invaluable. Involving a reputable strata manager with firsthand experience in managing similar developments offers crucial insights that contribute to the successful establishment of a strata scheme, enhance the client experience, and provide...
Strata Managers vs. Building Managers: What is the Difference?
In the context of strata living, the roles of Strata Managers and Building Managers can sometimes get confused, leaving owners and residents unsure of where to direct their enquiries. Who manages the Annual Fire Safety Statement? Who do I go to if repairs need to be made to common property?...
Initial Budgeting: How hard is it to get initial cost and levy estimates right?
Quite topical and in the cross hairs of strata legislators and consumer lobby groups is a way to bring greater accountability for initial budgets, most notably in the levy estimates presented as part of sales campaigns and at initial strata meetings. This is necessary as levy estimates form an important...
Parking in Strata: Dealing with Disputes Over Visitor Parking Spaces
The misuse of visitor parking continues to be a popular point of contention for owners and residents living in strata communities. With good, free parking hard to come by in Sydney, there’s always the temptation for residents with more than one vehicle to use visitor parking spaces for overflow,...
Strata Q&A: Ask the Expert #06
With the establishment of the NSW Strata Hub online portal managed by NSW Fair Trading, Strata Choice completed its client reporting obligations on 31st December 2022 as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation). Schemes that have not undertaken the process must comply by...
10 Tips for Resolving Building Defects
Too often developers and Owners Corporations end up at 10 paces facing off through lawyers to resolve building defects. It’s expensive, takes a toll on relationships, and the final pill ends up difficult to swallow for all sides. New owners feel their prized asset is devalued and the reputation of...
Using Portable Barbecues in Strata Buildings
The Australian BBQ – a beloved summertime tradition that has been ingrained in our very culture. Over the years, it has evolved from being a mere cooking method to a catalyst for bringing people together. It's where stories are shared, laughter resonates, and the joy of good food is savoured....
New Year’s Resolutions: Setting Goals for Better Strata Living
It’s a common tradition around this time of year to reflect on the last 12 months and set new goals for the year ahead. Most New Year’s resolutions come down to exercising more or giving up a bad habit, but if you’re an apartment owner living in a strata scheme,...
Handling Noisy Neighbors in NSW Strata
In the close quarters of  community living, noise can become a significant concern. The tranquility of one's home is a fundamental right, yet the threshold for what constitutes disruptive noise can vary greatly from person to person. Addressing such issues often require a combination of direct communication, tact, understanding, knowing...
Strata Q&A: Ask the Expert #05
With the establishment of the NSW Strata Hub online portal managed by NSW Fair Trading, Strata Choice completed its client reporting obligations on 31st December 2022 as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation). Schemes that have not undertaken the process must comply by...
Unlocking EV-Ready Apartment Buildings with NSW Government Grant
The winds of change are blowing through the automotive industry and it's clear that electric vehicles (EVs) are here to stay. In New South Wales, EVs represented 8% of new car sales in the first half of 2023 and that number is only expected to rise. With this shift in...
Strata Q&A: Ask the Expert #04
With the establishment of the NSW Strata Hub online portal managed by NSW Fair Trading, Strata Choice completed its client reporting obligations on 31st December 2022 as set out in the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Information) Regulation 2021 (Information Regulation). Schemes that have not undertaken the process must comply by...