- This topic has 8 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 1 month ago by .
-
Topic
-
Just a quick question.
I investigated into doing a DYI plan to save on cost for the Strata Plan, but I have decided against it.
I’ve called a couple of quality surveyors in country NSW who advise that they no longer do these 10 Year Capital Works Plans.
What are your thoughts on independent property valuers?
Who else can do these plans?
-
Replies
-
Think the question needs to be clearer. A ‘strata plan’ I haven’t heard of, unless the building plan is what is meant. I may be wrong. Also, why are ‘quality’, or is it quantity surveyors, wanted. Is it a valuation for the strata property what is meant ?
I understand, may be wrong, that the guidelines for a 10 year capital works plan guideline can be found in the strata community generally, at no or at minimal cost.
Get in touch with the Owners Corporation Network which is basically an organisation for the committee members of strata schemes. There may be someone there who can provide a template into which you can plug your buildings requirements.
I believe Stratabox and (other strata management software programs) have a maintenance plan module in their software too.
But if anyone has a spreadsheet they don’t mind sharing, please post it here.
If you want to be alerted when anyone replies to your posts or responds to this topic, please register and login, then you will be able to subscribe to the topic. The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers. NB: Longer threads may spill over to additional pages - look for the numbers on the bottom right, under the last post.
It is not mandatory to use a Quantity surveyor although that is obviously the best thing to do.
[s80(6)] SSMA 2015 states:
(6) An owners corporation may engage expert assistance in the preparation of a plan under this section.
Note the word “may”.
My scheme uses Solutions in Engineering https://www.solutionsinengineering.com/
This company appears to have Australia wide coverage so you may find that they will visit your site.
https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ssma2015242/s80.html
I have seen many of these reports undertaken by various companies including the one mentioned and found them to be inaccurate and somewhat bizarre in some cases. Many items missed and some items repeated randomly. Additionally they do not cover unforeseen expenses e.g. major building defects that are unknown at the time of inspection. Mostly I find they are a rough estimate at best to satisfy the legislation. I even had one done on a Sunday by a Strata manager desperate to avoid further action for a total failure to properly do their job.
Try this:
https://shop.opr.com.au/strata-resources-and-links/
Choose 10 year sinking fund forecast.
You will need to correct some formulas, but otherwise works well and is modifiable to your own needs.
I just had a look and I have to say I am very impressed. It’s free, for a start, and they have a link back to the Flat Chat website.
Who could ask for anything more?
If you want to be alerted when anyone replies to your posts or responds to this topic, please register and login, then you will be able to subscribe to the topic. The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers. NB: Longer threads may spill over to additional pages - look for the numbers on the bottom right, under the last post.
Our building had a 10 yer plan professionally done by a quantity surveyor(or whatever it is called) and it was a complete joke. It bore no relation to reality in any sense. The biggest cost stated was extertior painting of the building. The building is raw red brick! Where’s the paint going? It lists jobs as costing a couple of hundred dollars, yet I have had 4 jobs done this year with a minimum cost of $5000. One had an estimate of $25,000
Next AGM, I will do a revised one based on what I know needs doing over the foreseeable future.