CARAS is an advisory and project management business, committed to delivering better environments for our clients and the communities around them. With over 85,000 strata schemes in NSW, a growing number of our clients are living and working in buildings managed under a strata scheme.

In 2023 the Building Commission NSW, in partnership with Strata Community Association NSW (SCA NSW), conducted a survey to examine the experience of NSW strata communities in dealing with serious building defects. It reported that 53% of buildings in the survey have had serious defects in common property, up from 39% in 2021. Under Clause 106 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 the owners corporation is responsible for maintenance and repair of common property – owners repair anything in their own property.

CARAS are experienced in working with strata managers, strata committees, strata owners, architects, engineers, town planners and specialist consultants to deliver capital works projects that repair and upgrade strata buildings. These building remediation projects are vital to ensuring the safety, comfort, and quality of life for their occupants.

Construction projects on strata buildings present a unique set of challenges due to the need to balance construction activities with the daily lives of residents. Ensuring minimal disruption is critical, and it requires meticulous planning and scheduling to minimise the impacts of noise, dust, and other inconveniences. There is strict regulatory compliance around all projects on Class 2 strata buildings. The Design and Building Practitioners Scheme (the D&BP Scheme) comprises the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (the D&BP Act), and the Design and Building Practitioners Regulation 2021 (the D&BP Regulation) and the Ministerial Order 2021. It creates a statutory duty of care on anyone who carries out construction work to exercise 'reasonable care' to avoid economic loss caused by defects in or related to a building. It requires designers, builders and engineers to be registered under a new statutory registration scheme. If DBP Act applies to your project, thenthere are also additional steps required to be completed by the design practitioner/s. These factors make construction on residential apartment buildings a demanding task that requires careful execution and constant communication.

Effective communication with all stakeholders is crucial in the successful execution of construction projects on strata buildings. Clear, consistent, and transparent communication ensures that everyone involved, from owners, residents, and building management to contractors and consultants, is informed and aligned throughout the project. This proactive approach minimizes misunderstandings, facilitates smoother project delivery, and enhances stakeholder satisfaction. By prioritizing communication, we can mitigate disruptions, ensure safety, and deliver a project that meets the expectations and needs of all parties involved.

Improving strata buildings offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the immediate enhancement of the property. Renovations and repairs can significantly increase the building’s value, making it more attractive to potential buyers and investors. Upgrading structural elements, safety features, and common areas, enhances the overall living experience for residents, fostering a sense of pride and community. Energy-efficient improvements can reduce operational costs and environmental impact, contributing to a sustainable future.

By delivering safe, attractive, and well-maintained living and working spaces, we contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of strata communities. We believe that every project we deliver has the potential to make a positive impact, and we are dedicated to delivering results that benefit both our clients and the broader community.