Types of body corporate
When we talk about body corporate most people picture either a high rise building or a group of townhouses. Strata titling, the process that creates a body corporate can be used for all sorts of developments. In this article I look at the most common types of body corporate. Duplex and Triplex The most common form […]
Body Corporate Combustible Cladding Requirements
Combustible cladding such as Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) blasted into our collective awareness in 2017 following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London where 72 people died. A malfunctioning refrigerator was the fire source and was quickly put out. Unfortunately, by the time the source was extinguished the flames had reached the exterior. A […]
16 Things Respectful Body Corporate Residents Do
There are two groups of people in a strata scheme: lot owners and body corporate residents. When I use the term “body corporate residents” I mean everyone who lives in the scheme, owners or tenants and their various visitors. How body corporate residents treat each other is a key measure of the success of a […]
Body Corporate Balconies: Common Property or Part of the Lot
Body corporate balconies cause a surprising amount of drama. This Melbourne waterproofing website reports: A recent insurance survey has shown that “Balcony Waterproofing” has the highest failure rate of all areas in the building envelope. As you’ll see below there are many common ways in which balconies fail. This article will explore the issues that arise with balconies and […]
How & Why Strata Managers Terminate Strata Management Agreements
Strata managers terminate strata management agreements for a range of reasons, some to do with the business and some to do with the scheme. There are many reasons why a Strata Manager might decide to part ways with a client, including: These are just some ideas of the top of my head but in reality […]
How To Search Adjudicators Orders & When and Why You Should
There is no government body responsible for ensuring “fair play” in the body corporate world, something that often comes as a shock to owners. Instead there is a specialist body corporate court, administered by Office of the Commissioner Body Corporate. Orders made by an Adjudicator become part of the legal interpretation of the body corporate law. […]
Common Property Boundaries
Defining common property boundaries in a body corporate is essential in working out who is responsible for what. As a general rule of thumb: common property = body corporate responsibility, lot = lot owner responsibility. Bodies corporate are forbidden from spending joint funds on works that benefit a lot and for lot owners there is no […]
The Process for Capital Works in a Body Corporate
Capital works in a body corporate usually follow a process. A problem is identified. The cause is investigated. Recommendations are made for repair. A scope of works is developed to fulfil the recommended repairs. Tenders or quotes are obtained. Funding of the works is arranged. Works and funding are approved by owners. The work proceeds. […]
How To Check Your Body Corporate Sinking Fund Balance
The most common question buyers ask is What is the body corporate sinking fund balance? What does that really tell you though? A big figure is good, a small one bad? It’s too simple a measure without some context. A clearer question is how much do we have and how much do we need? This article is about how to find […]
Is a Low Body Corporate Sinking Fund Balance Really a Problem?
The number on the balance sheet is only useful when its compared with what the scheme needs to fund next. A low body corporate sinking fund balance is often thought a problem as the figure is treated as a quick measure of financial health. A large balance does look reassuring and a small balance can […]