Can I have a pet at this property?
With Australians increasingly more likely to have a pet reside in their household, it’s only natural that one of the most frequent questions in unit or townhouse living is “can I have a pet at this property?” And the short answer in Queensland is...quite likely, but...
Gardener or mowing service? What do we need?
Maintaining the landscape around a strata property not only enhances the appeal of any building, it can also add real value to the property at large. But who is the best person for this ongoing role - a gardener or a mowing service? Well often the two job descriptions...
Do I need body corporate approval?
It might be your property, but as body corporate living involves shared spaces and structures, the likelihood is you’ll need approval before you start renovating or making even minor changes to your residence. If you’re planning on making alterations to the look or...
The Body Corporate – What do they do and what is involved
When you buy into a strata title property like a unit or townhouse, becoming a part of a body corporate is probably way down on the list of items you consider. And while every unit owner is automatically a member with the right to vote at the AGM each year, often there is a reluctance to become part of the elected committee.
One of the most daunting factors for many is the time involved and the processes that need to be followed, so here’s a lowdown on what committees do, how they work and ways to make the running of a strata community smoother.
Hard Flooring – what you need to know
Noise can be one of the most contentious issues in a shared community, but what many forget is that in multi-storey units creating or minimising sound can extend right through to the flooring you choose and the underlay you select. Here’s a quick guide on laying...
A word to the wise on water leaks
Whether it’s a gradual seep, a torturous drip or cascading waterfall, the presence of mysterious water in your unit is sure to ring alarm bells for any resident. It’s also an unfortunate reality that water leaks can be time consuming, costly issues to deal with,...
Why a quote may be costing you
There’s a school of thought that says you must always obtain a quote before going ahead with any work on your property. While that’s sage advice for the big ticket items like installing new patio railings or tiling, it’s not always the case. Taking the time and effort...
To paint or pressure clean? That is the question…
Maintaining the exterior appeal of a unit complex adds value to an investment, creating street appeal for residents, potential tenants, and buyers alike. Keeping buildings that are often multi-storey tidy, free from grime and fresh in appearance is an ongoing task for...
What a body corporate should know about dealing with “illegally” parked vehicles
Illegally parked vehicles present some of the most annoying and common issues for a body corporate. How you handle this problem may also have ongoing ramifications. If your body corporate is looking to tackle the problem by towing vehicles away, then here are the...
Installing an air-conditioner in your unit? What you need to consider
As a sweltering Australian summer approaches you might be considering installing an air-conditioner to dial down the temperature of your unit. But before you go seeking out the best brands and installation options, there are a couple of things to consider. Here are...
Things to consider when renovating a unit
Looking to freshen up your unit, revamp that kitchen, retile the balcony and give it a well-earned makeover? Sounds great, but before you roll out the cabinetry and haul out the hammers you’ll need to check in with the body corporate first, and here’s why... Body...
Thinking of buying a unit? What you need to consider
Buying a unit is a great way to increase your investment portfolio or purchase a relatively maintenance-free property to suit your personal needs. Units are also a lot more affordable than buying a free-standing home. So as you peruse the real estate pages, seeking...
Tips to ensure virtual Pokémons are not a real public liability headache
Pokémons are popping up all over the place as part of the latest gaming craze. But while Pokémon Go encourages people to get out and about in the real world to catch these crafty characters, what does it mean for body corporates when Pokémons pop in? Here are tips to...