Podcast: Defects, debts and dream bathrooms
Sometimes we are just too efficient for our own good. No sooner had we sent this week’s podcast off for transcription than the news broke that NSW Building Commissioner David…
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Chandler resigns … and we saw it coming
As predicted on this website months ago, Building Commissioner David Chandler has resigned, just weeks after announcing that he had extended his contract for another year beyond its agreed end…
Forum: Is it a flat roof or a terrace floor?
Now, we’re going to need you to use your imagination for a minute here. You have a rooftop apartment – a penthouse, if you like – and it has a…
Slim block wins top architecture award
by Jimmy Thomson What makes a fabulous apartment? Privacy, aspect, design and the way it can fit seamlessly into the neighbourhood, adding to the sense of community. That’s what the…
How Telcos can bully their way into unit blocks
Ever since the Federal Government embarked on its politically fraught and occasionally flawed efforts to introduce high-speed broadband to our cities, there has been a dubious tactic embraced by some…
Hub backtracks on strata chairs’ phone numbers
Strata committee office-bearers can breathe a sigh of relief with news that NSW Services is backing away from their requirement for chairs and secretaries to make their phone numbers available…
Missing Mascot papers prove value of the Hub
As if the former residents of Mascot Towers in Sydney weren’t doing it tough enough, last month they received another blow and it’s one that smacks of local government incompetence,…
Giving free legal advice to the most vulnerable
Here at Flat Chat we frequently recommend that cash-strapped apartment residents make use of the services provided by Marrickville Legal Centre, if they need strata law support but can’t afford…
City that fell asleep wakes up to new possibilities
Our cities effectively closed for business during Covid, but now they’ve had a shake-up and a wake-up and they are good to go, writes Sue Williams for Domain. Friday afternoon…
Few positives to negative gearing for first-timers
For all the talk of housing affordability at the recent election there was one obvious subject that barely rated a mention. But now that the dust has settled on the…
EV charging: Hard facts and soft options
Back in April we looked at issues around electric vehicle (EV) charging in strata buildings and the resistance to it. A couple of weeks ago almost 500 people logged in…
Tweaks and leaks: advice on keeping the block nice
When we’re pouring money into renovating our homes, no doubt hoping to increase their value if we ever sell, we often forget the old maxim for the potential property purchaser…