Maintaining a strata property is about staying ahead of potential issues, ensuring safety, and maintaining compliance with the law. Regular property inspections play a huge role in making this happen. Strata managers know that without regular checks, small problems can quickly turn into big, costly headaches.
But how often should these inspections be done?
It’s a common question, and the answer depends on several factors, from the size of the property to the types of inspections needed. Whether you’re managing a large complex or a smaller block of units, this article will guide you through the different types of inspections required, how often they should take place, and the importance of staying on top of these tasks.
Let’s dive in and make sure your property stays safe, functional, and well-maintained.
Understanding Why Regular Strata Inspections Matter
When it comes to managing strata properties, regular inspections aren’t just a task to tick off your to-do list. They’re a vital part of keeping the property in great shape, ensuring safety, and making life easier for everyone.
Here’s why they really matter:
Safety
The top priority for any strata manager is ensuring the safety of everyone who lives in or visits the property. Inspections help catch potential hazards before they turn into accidents. A loose handrail, a broken light in the car park, or even a small crack in the building’s structure; these things may seem minor, but they can lead to serious accidents. Regular checks mean you can tackle these issues early, making the property a safer place for all.
Compliance
As a strata manager, you’re responsible for ensuring the property meets all the legal requirements under Australian building and safety regulations. From fire safety checks to ensuring accessibility standards are met, inspections help you stay on top of the rules. This isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting the property, your residents, and your reputation. Regular inspections keep everything running smoothly and within the law.
Cost Saving
We all know that small problems can turn into big (and expensive) ones if left unchecked. A leaky pipe can cause serious water damage, or a malfunctioning fire alarm might result in costly repairs. Regular inspections help spot these issues before they escalate. By catching things early, you can save money on major repairs, reduce insurance costs, and keep your maintenance budget in check.
Resident Satisfaction
No one wants to live in a property with constant issues, and for strata managers, resident satisfaction is key. Regular inspections show tenants and owners that you’re proactive and care about the property. By keeping common areas clean, safe, and well-maintained, you’re ensuring everyone has a positive experience. And when residents feel heard and looked after, it builds a stronger sense of community.
Defining Types of Strata Property Inspections
Not all strata property inspections are the same; different areas require different levels of attention. Depending on the size and age of your property, as well as the services and amenities it offers, you may need to conduct various types of inspections.
Here’s a rundown of the main types of inspections to keep in mind:
Routine Inspections
These inspections cover the overall condition of the property and are often the most frequent. Think of them as a general check-up for the building. Routine inspections look at the common areas, such as hallways, gardens, parking lots, and shared facilities (like gyms or pools). It’s also a good time to check on the external building condition, things like windows, doors, and fences. Regular routine checks help ensure everything is functioning smoothly and that nothing has been overlooked.
Maintenance Inspections
This type of inspection dives deeper into the workings of the property, particularly focusing on essential services. You’ll be checking things like plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC units, lifts, and fire systems. Maintenance inspections are important for catching wear and tear before it leads to bigger problems, like water leaks or electrical malfunctions.
Safety and Compliance Inspections
When it comes to safety, you can never be too careful. Safety inspections focus on ensuring the property meets all required safety standards, including fire safety, accessibility, and emergency procedures. This includes checking fire exits, alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and evacuation plans. In Australia, some of these inspections are legally required to ensure compliance with building and safety codes.
Specialised Inspections
These inspections target specific areas of the property that require more expertise. They could include pest inspections, waterproofing checks, structural integrity assessments, and roofing inspections. These might not be required as often as routine or maintenance inspections, but they’re important for keeping your property in good shape, especially if it’s older or in an area prone to weather events.
Emergency Inspections
While not planned, emergency inspections are sometimes necessary if a major issue occurs, say, following a storm, fire, or unexpected event. These inspections are critical for assessing damage, identifying urgent repairs, and preventing further harm. Even though these inspections aren’t scheduled, being prepared to conduct one when necessary ensures that you can act quickly to minimise damage.
Determining How Often Each Inspection Should Be Done?
Knowing how often to carry out inspections is just as important as knowing what to inspect. The frequency depends on the type of inspection, the age of your property, its location, and how much maintenance it needs.
Here’s a simple guide:
Routine Inspections
These should be done every 3 to 6 months. Routine checks of common areas (like hallways, gardens, and parking) and the building’s exterior help you spot small issues before they become bigger problems. If your property has a lot of people using shared spaces, you might need to inspect every 3 months.
Safety Inspections
Fire safety and compliance checks should be done once a year. However, some things, like fire extinguishers or emergency lights, might need to be checked more often, like every 3 to 6 months. Be sure to follow local regulations to stay compliant with safety laws.
Maintenance Inspections
Systems like plumbing, electrical, lifts, and HVAC (heating and cooling) should be inspected once a year. This helps catch any wear and tear before it becomes a bigger issue. If the property is older or the systems get heavy use, you might want to inspect more often, every 6 months, for example.
Specialised Inspections
Certain inspections, like pest control or waterproofing, are usually needed once a year. But in some cases, like if you’re in a flood-prone area, these may need to be done more often. Roof and structural checks are typically done every 5 to 7 years, or after a big storm.
Emergency Inspections
While these are not scheduled, emergency inspections should be done right after a major event. This includes things like storms, fires, or floods. Quick action will help you spot damage early and prevent more problems.
Outlining Key Areas to Include in Every Inspection
When conducting a strata property inspection, it’s important to know exactly what to check.
Here are the key areas to include in every inspection to make sure nothing is missed:
Building Exterior
Start by looking at the outside of the building. Check for any signs of damage, like cracks, rust, or loose panels. Pay attention to the roof, walls, windows, and balconies. These areas are exposed to the elements and can wear out over time, so it’s important to catch any issues early before they cause bigger problems.
Common Areas
Common areas are shared by all residents, so they need to be safe and well-maintained. Check hallways, lifts, stairwells, car parks, gardens, and other shared spaces. Look for any safety hazards, like uneven flooring or poor lighting, and make sure everything is clean and functioning well.
Essential Services
Inspect the vital systems that keep the building running smoothly, like plumbing, electrical, and heating/cooling systems. These should be checked regularly to ensure there are no leaks, faults, or potential safety hazards. Fire systems (alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting) should also be checked as part of essential services.
Safety Hazards
Look for anything that could pose a danger to residents or visitors. This includes things like loose handrails, trip hazards, faulty locks, or blocked fire exits. It’s important to identify and fix safety hazards quickly to avoid accidents and liability issues.
Structural Integrity
Check the foundation, walls, floors, and ceilings for any signs of structural damage. Look for cracks or bulges that could indicate problems like water damage or foundation movement. Keeping an eye on the property’s structural health is crucial for long-term safety and maintenance.
Understanding the Risks of Delaying Strata Inspections
While it might be tempting to delay inspections or skip a few, this can lead to some serious problems down the line.
Here are the risks you run by not keeping up with regular property inspections:
Higher Maintenance Costs
Small issues can quickly become big, expensive problems if not caught early. A minor leak in the plumbing, for example, can turn into extensive water damage if ignored. Routine inspections help you catch these issues before they require costly repairs, saving money in the long run.
Safety Hazards
Neglecting regular safety checks can lead to accidents. A broken fire alarm or a loose railing could pose serious risks to residents. By skipping inspections, you’re putting the safety of your tenants and visitors at risk. This not only affects their well-being but could also lead to legal and financial consequences if something goes wrong.
Non-Compliance Fines
Strata properties need to comply with strict regulations, including fire safety, accessibility, and more. If you skip safety or compliance inspections, you could miss issues that make the property non-compliant. This could lead to fines, legal trouble, or even the suspension of your building’s insurance.
Decreased Property Value
A poorly maintained property will quickly lose its value. If issues like mould, structural damage, or safety hazards are left unchecked, the property’s condition will deteriorate. This could lead to reduced market value and difficulty selling or renting the property.
Unhappy Residents
When residents see that issues aren’t being addressed, they can become frustrated. Regular inspections show tenants and owners that you’re committed to maintaining the property and ensuring their safety. Without inspections, it’s harder to keep up with their needs, and dissatisfaction can lead to disputes, tenant turnover, or negative reviews.
Implementing Best Practices for Strata Property Inspections
To make sure your inspections are effective and efficient, it’s important to follow a few best practices.
Here are some tips to help you stay organised and ensure everything is covered:
Create a Regular Inspection Schedule
Having a set schedule for inspections is crucial. This helps ensure that inspections aren’t forgotten and are done on time. You can plan these inspections for specific months or seasons, depending on the needs of your property. Using a calendar or software can make this process much easier and more organised.
Use Qualified Inspectors
For the best results, make sure inspections are carried out by qualified professionals. While you can handle routine checks, it’s essential to bring in specialists for things like plumbing, electrical systems, or fire safety. Hiring licensed inspectors ensures that you’re meeting all legal requirements and that any issues are spotted early.
Keep Detailed Records
It’s important to document everything during each inspection. Keep track of what was inspected, any issues found, and any actions taken. These records will not only help you stay organised but can also be useful if any questions or compliance checks arise later.
Prioritise Urgent Issues
Not everything will need immediate attention, but some problems should be addressed straight away. Prioritise urgent safety hazards, such as broken fire alarms or trip hazards. Once the critical issues are fixed, move on to less pressing concerns, ensuring everything gets addressed eventually.
Communicate with Residents
It’s important to keep residents informed about inspections, especially if any work will affect them. Be transparent about what’s being checked, when inspections will happen, and how any issues will be resolved. Keeping the lines of communication open builds trust and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Using Technology to Streamline Strata Inspections
In today’s digital age, technology can make strata property inspections faster, easier, and more organised. Here’s how tech can help:
Digital Scheduling and Reminders
With software tools, you can automate inspection schedules and set reminders, ensuring nothing is overlooked. No more manual tracking or missed inspections!
Real-Time Reporting
Using apps or software, inspectors can take notes, upload photos, and generate reports instantly. This helps identify issues quickly and allows for faster action.
Track Issues and Follow-Ups
With digital tools, you can track issues from inspection to resolution, ensuring all problems are addressed promptly. This helps keep everyone accountable and reduces the chance of issues slipping through the cracks.
Over to you
Regular inspections are the key to maintaining a safe, well-managed strata property.
By staying on top of inspections, you ensure the building is in top condition, prevent costly repairs, and keep residents happy and safe. Whether it’s a routine check, safety inspection, or specialised assessment, these inspections protect both your property and your bottom line.
Taking a proactive approach to inspections not only avoids big problems but also builds trust with tenants and owners, showing that you care about their safety and the long-term value of the property.
If you’re ready to take the stress out of inspections and streamline your maintenance management, i4T Maintenance Management Software is here to help.
This easy-to-use platform allows you to schedule work orders after inspections, track issues in real-time, generate detailed reports, and ensure your property stays compliant with ease. Don’t wait for problems to escalate; take control of your property’s maintenance today and save time, money, and hassle. Start using i4T Maintenance now and see the difference!
FAQs
Routine inspections should be done every 3 to 6 months, with safety and maintenance checks typically once a year.
The strata manager or the owners’ corporation is responsible for scheduling and overseeing inspections.
Key areas include the building exterior, common areas, safety systems, plumbing, electrical, and structural integrity.
Skipping inspections can lead to costly repairs, safety hazards, non-compliance fines, and unhappy residents.
Yes, software tools can help schedule inspections, track issues, and generate real-time reports, making inspections easier and more organised.