Hi, there are many good Building Mangers but as always it’s the few that the rest are judged by.
It seems to me that your exe committee may also need a rev up as well, as an Owner you have the right to ask questions and receive answers whether from your Strata Manager or committee. You have the right to attend any executive committee meeting so why not go along next time and question the committee on the Building Management issue. Also why not nominate yourself on the executive committee if a position is vacated between the AGM it can be filled at the discretion of the exe committee, otherwise nominate yourself at the next AGM. You seem to have a commitment to your Strata Scheme and committees need people that are committed and ask questions. Good luck.
Chris Mo’ane GMD Integrated Consultancy.
Building Manager issues don’t seem to feature so much so I’m writing to bring up some questions and maybe get examples of schemes where BM run a good system that works for all parties.
We employ a part time BM. We had a letter giving the day and times he would be onsite. However, he never seems to be onsite during these times. In fact he rarely seems to be onsite at all. Any maintenance issues have to be reported to him although we were advised on his appointment that he would be looking after the building, checking maintenance etc. Quotes don’t seem to be obtained, one builder seems to do all of the major work ( total over $150,000). I expected tenders would go out or at least two quotes?
Asking the EC to confirm the process, eg. Who does the BM report to, is there some attendance book, and who on the EC supervises the BM’s work meets a blank wall. The BM does submit a report to the EC meeting but the minutes are vague relating to work. Work to the building is poor with patched paintwork and often sub standard work. The director of the company is very charming and although he has no building background the EC stand solid behind the firm. The ECM refuse to personally view areas of concern. Questions asking when the contract is up for renewal meets no reply.In fact, if an owner raises questions one is accused of being destructive
I would be interested to learn how other schemes manage their BM services successfully. What systems have EC’s in place for open and transparent service.
The SMMA doesn’t seem to cover this so I’m guessing it may not be regulated, or come under a different law?
Thanks so much and I look forward to some advice