Update: Major Works

Yesterday morning, 1 August, there was an onsite inspection meeting for the major works which will commence on Monday.  

In attendance were our Strata Manager (StrataChoice), a representative from the builder (Sydney Remedial Trades), a representative from the water proofer, a representative from the supervising engineer (Landlay), a representative from our cleaning contractor and two members of the Strata Committee.  

In general terms the project is to rectify water ingress by replacing the original waterproofing membrane on a number of balconies and terraces and also by replacing the doors onto those areas with doors that meet current building standards.

Some of the early messages from those discussions are:

• The project will have a 'soft' start on Monday which will include the erection of scaffolding at the rear of the building.

•   However, there will also be some 'demo' work on one of the balconies so there will be jackhammering on Monday.

•   Work hours will be from 7am to 5pm but the contractor has advised they won’t start noisy works until around 7.30-8.00am.  They’re also likely to leave most days around 3pm but may need to work until 5pm occasionally.

•   The contractor has agreed to keep us advised of the cadence of work so we can continue to communicate with residents and tenants as best we can.  

•   The project is estimated to take between 12 and 16 weeks.

•   The works will commence from the top down.  This means that the rear of the building will be impacted first as most of the balconies on the higher levels are re-waterproofed.  Works needed on the front of the building will be done later in the project.

•   There will be materials and equipment stored around the building.  In addition, the works will require that the grills from the rear terrace be removed so rubbish can be transferred to the basement for removal from the building.  While safety equipment will be used, please exercise caution when moving around the building in the next couple of months.  

• Due to the nature of the building, some apartments which are not having work done will be impacted by the work.  For example, the rear scaffolding may need to straddle the rear terraces of the 4 townhouses and the builder will want access to apartments under the work to prepare dilapidation reports prior to work being carried out.  In this case the contractor has been supplied with contact phone numbers for residents & tenants and will be in touch directly to arrange access.  We’re grateful for your cooperation.  

• Work will now commence on selecting tiles and balustrades for the rear terraces from the budget that was allowed in the specifications.  Owners should be aware that three principles will apply:  the products will be selected on the basis of ‘like for like’ as far as possible; the products will be the same for each Lot and, most importantly, they must comply with current legislated safety requirements (eg, balustrade heights).

We do not have any allocated parking for the tradesmen.  If you’d like to rent your parking space to the Owners Corporation for the duration of the project, please let us know (stkillianstrata@icloud.com).  We are working with the supervising engineer and StrataChoice to try to secure parking around the building.  In the meantime, there may be some inconvenience with extra vehicles in the basement on occasion. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding for the duration of the project.  These are the times that your choice to live in a strata scheme can be tested.  

Last week we sent a link to an information session that will be held next Thursday.  The session will be lead by the supervising engineer and we encourage agents, tenants, residents and owners to attend to stay informed and get specific questions answered.