It’s great when Unit owners decide to do some significant improvements and maintenance to their property. Before starting it is essential that you contact The Body Corporate Manager (BC Systems), a member of the Body Corporate Committee or Terry. Here’s a link to the Contact Page: https://erindale4122.com.au/living-in-erindale/contact-information/
Notifying the Body Corporate allows them to work with you through a range of issues that can improve the job management. Most of the issues will need to be discussed with your contractor.
- Some Works Need Approval: Checking can be important. Approvals are nearly always given though sometimes there are some minor changes required.
- Don’t Cause A Parking Problem: using large vehicles or many vehicles may require reserved parking or parking immediately adjacent to the unit.
- Don’t Cause Unexpected Driveway Closures: Sometimes this can’t be helped however notice and planning can help neighbours be prepared and minimise disruptions.
- Water/Service Disruptions: Occasionally water or needs to be cut off to the complex. Unless an absolute emergency then two days notice allows for everybody to be notified and to minimise the length of time people are disrupted for. We can also make sure it happens at the most appropriate time e.g. not when people are getting ready for work and school or preparing dinner.
- Safety Matters!: Residents need to check contractors take appropriate safety precautions for the work being done. Working with your contractor ask reasonable questions such as; is a security fence or barrier required; do we need some warning signs eg. nail gun in use; does anything need to be securely stored overnight?
- Notifying Your Neighbours: Making your neighbours aware of works is not only polite, it can have practical implications (See Parking, Driveway closures etcetera). Also consider noise. many residents now work from home and noise from power tools can be loud and disruptive. They may prefer to go to an office when the work is being done.
- Everybody Needs A Toilet: Workers need access to toilet facilities Discussing options with your contractor is very important. It avoids workers using our gardens as toilets. In some cases a portable toilet is a good option and may be a part of the job cost.
- There’s Always Building Waste & Rubbish: Discuss the need for a ‘skip’ bin for building waste removal. Your domestic bins are not for building waste and there can be a lot more than expected.
- Ensure Property Access: Contractors being able to get into Erindale is a good start to any job, especially if you have considered all the previous points.
- Up To Date Insurance: The Body Corporate organises Building Insurance for the complex and having some idea of how owners are improving properties can help with future insurance evaluations.
It is likely that you will have forgotten many of the points above by the time you get around to doing your next big project. So start by remembering one thing! Get in touch with a Body Corporate Committee member or the Body Corporate Manager and they will help you get off to a great start! (https://erindale4122.com.au/living-in-erindale/contact-information/)