Question: It’s difficult for owners corporations to control costs when repairing spalling. How do we receive a reliable estimate for concrete spalling repairs?
How do we know how much it is going to cost to fix spalling? We understand why it’s difficult to get a true estimate, but at the same time, our capital works fund isn’t a bottomless bucket. How can owners corporations control costs when repairing concrete spalling?
Answer: Have an engineer provide a detailed scope of works first.
Get an expert involved to supply a defined scope of work detailing what work needs to be done. I recommend you spend a little more upfront on an engineer to carry out exploratory work. They can remove the concrete in some areas to get a better idea of the extent of the damage. The engineer can then clearly define the scope of work.
When you approach builders for quotes, you’ll give them the best opportunity to price the work accurately. Don’t go to a builder saying “Can you give me a quote to repair spalling.” If the builder does not know the extent of the work, their quote will include a buffer to ensure they cover themselves. Getting an expert to provide a detailed scope of work first will give the committee the best chance of successfully controlling costs.
This post appears in the July 2025 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.
Bruce McKenzie Sedgwick E: bruce.mckenzie@au.sedgwick.com P: 1300 735 720