Strata living can be comfortable and cost-effective, giving owners and residents the advantage of a great location and a lock-up-and-leave lifestyle. However, the need for repair or remediation works is inevitable in strata buildings. This can be due to cladding compliance issues, defects caused by poor initial workmanship or general wear and tear.
When an issue with strata premises is identified and a building notice or building order is received, owners corporations and strata managers need to answer the following questions:
- How bad is the problem?
- What will it take to fix it?
- Who can fix the issue so the building is fully compliant?
- How long will repair work take?
- How much disruption will remedial works cause?
- How much will remediation works cost?
The final question is the one that causes the most stress for all stakeholders. Frustratingly, more often than not, remedial building works cost far more than they need to.
Why remedial building works are often overpriced
One of the primary reasons lot owners end up paying too much for remedial building works is the failure to conduct thorough and accurate initial assessments. Inexperienced consultants often default to ‘full replacement’ as the solution for an issue with a strata block. An example could be a full concourse replacement to address water ingress. This can cost in excess of $1 million. However, a more detailed inspection supported by thermal technology and an experienced team that knows exactly what to look for may identify a more targeted solution that can bring a bill below $500k.
To add to this, remedial building works on strata buildings are frequently driven by reactive decision-making, often because of regulatory pressures or urgent safety concerns. This can lead to rushed contracts and poorly coordinated efforts among consultants, contractors and stakeholders. The result of poorly planned and managed remediation works isn’t just extra bills for lot owners. There can be negative implications for strata managers and a great deal of disruption amongst the owners corporation.
To solve this problem, you need the help of a team that understands all aspects of the strata building upgrade process.
The solution for more cost-effective remedial building works
After working on over 150 strata remedial projects, the remedial builder team at St Ferrer realised the urgent need for comprehensive building remediation solutions that are tailored for strata properties in Melbourne and beyond. While our team has previously focused on construction and repair works, we are now pleased to provide more comprehensive, end-to-end services.
To support your strata management business or owners corporation, we have developed a new Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Report aimed at streamlining and reducing the costs of remedial works. This ECI Report is a detailed, initial assessment that is the first essential step when major building defects are identified and a building notice is issued.
The report sets clear expectations for all stakeholders regarding cost, timelines and the scope of remedial building works. Whether your building is dealing with cladding issues, water ingress, or structural deficiencies, all critical aspects of the remediation process are covered.
Request an ECI Report from St Ferrer for:
- In-depth problem and solution analysis
- Itemised estimated project costs
- Clear project timelines
- Outlines of access requirements and the visual impact of works
When creating an ECI Report, St Ferrer applies a 5 Step Remediation Strategy that is designed to mitigate delays and cost overruns.
Our process includes:
- Awareness: Identifying critical notices or defects through inspections.
- Inspection: Engaging experts to assess and document defects, minimising inconvenience to residents.
- Early Contractor Involvement (ECI): Leveraging detailed reports to establish cost estimates, timelines and access requirements upfront.
- Evaluation: Reviewing options such as independent project managers or direct engagement with remedial builders.
- Delivery: Finalising contracts and executing works efficiently.
Why choose St Ferrer to support end-to-end remedial building works?
Known for being remedial builders, St Ferrer now helps strata managers and owners corporations to identify and diagnose strata building issues as well. As specialised professionals, we have long-standing partnerships with highly qualified experts, including architects, building and quantity surveyors, engineers, consultants and superintendents.
ECI reports from St Ferrer provide remedial work solutions that are tailored to each strata building’s needs and balance costs, regulatory compliance and long-term durability. Once we have conducted our research and identified the most suitable, streamlined solution, we can step in to help complete remediation works, offering seamless project management from initial inspections through to tendering and project completion, coordinating all professional services and contractors.
With many years of experience working in live, tenanted buildings, we prioritise open communication and collaboration with owners and tenants so we can minimise disruption while works are completed.
When St Ferrer is involved after a building notice is issued and the need for remedial works is confirmed, strata buildings benefit from:
- More detailed understanding of issues and their causes
- More cost-effective options for solutions
- Faster project completion
- Fewer delays
- Comprehensive, efficient and longer-lasting defect resolutions and building repairs
Our Quality Assurance meets ISO standards for environmental management, safety and construction quality.
Have you received a building notice?
If your strata building requires repairs and remediation works, your first essential step is to request a thorough report from an experienced remedial builder.
Working with premises across Melbourne, St Ferrer’s extensive project history includes cladding remediation, water ingress prevention, major structural rectification, protective fire safety enhancements, electrical services and interior and exterior upgrades. In addition to providing comprehensive and industry-leading ECI reports, our skilled team delivers reliable building works that elevate the safety, function, appeal and value of strata buildings.
If you have any questions about our Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Reports or have been served with a building order and need remediation works at your strata premises, contact St Ferrer today.