Strata properties are common across Australia and represent a practical approach to living in the same apartment building as other people. A Strata scheme ensures every tenant knows which bits are theirs and which are shared ownership.

Of course, you also get the added benefit of all the maintenance and repairs being taken care of for you.

Unfortunately, being in a Strata property doesn’t mean you will avoid building defects. Despite the builder’s best intent, there are times when things are not to the right standard. Fortunately, the building and construction industry security of payment act helps to protect you against this. It will help you to justify an issue and get the builder to resolve it.

To help, you should be aware of the most common building defects on a Strata property.

1. Design Issues

It should be rare there is a design flaw as the property should have been designed by a qualified architect and all loads, etc. considered. However, this doesn’t always mean that the property has been built to the specified standard.

This leads to cracking foundations, cracks in walls, and other issues which have the potential to affect the stability of the building.

2. Plumbing Flaws

It is normal for the plumbing in a Strata property to be shared. You may have your own plumbing in your apartment but once it leaves the apartment it will connect with all the other apartments. That’s why a problem in one apartment can often affect some, or all, of the other apartments.

3. Roof Problems

The roof is an essential part of your property. It keeps the weather out of the property, preventing water damage and other issues. however, a roof will age and can be damaged by tree debris, bad design, or even negligence.

It will need to be repaired as soon as possible because a damaged roof can lead to an array of other issues.

4. Insulation and Cladding Effectiveness

There are strict guidelines regarding the type of cladding that can be used on a building. This is a direct result of the devastating fire at Grenfell in the UK. In fact, some parts of Australia have now banned Aluminum composite panels.

Replacing your cladding can be expensive, although this cost is shared by all residents. That’s why you should be aware of the issue and, if there is an issue, take rapid action. It is even possible to get a grant to help with the cost of replacing the cladding.

5. Electrics

Finally, one of the most common issues in a Strata property is poor electrics. In many cases, the wiring is simply aging and has perhaps been damaged by rodents. Exposed wiring and faulty switches and sockets increase the risk of a fire.

That’s why it is important to maintain your electrics and have them inspected regularly.

If you have any concerns in your Strata property you should raise them with your committee and then follow up, to ensure they have done something about the issue.