Question: If our committee has accepted a quote for works to common property, can we expect that they have asked the contractor about the guarantee period for the work?
Our Strata Committee obtained and accepted a quote to repair the boundary wall. The wall is cracking due to a tree’s roots and foundation movement.
Given that the Committee has accepted the quote, can we expect that they have asked the contractor about the guarantee period for the work?
If the contractor refuses to provide a written guarantee period, should we move ahead or seek another contractor?
Answer: I would suggest a more open line of communication is formed between owners and the committee members so your questions may be addressed.
Maintenance within a strata corporation is the responsibility of the body corporate. The body corporate is made up of all owners so all owners would have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of the strata scheme.
Many strata corporations have management committees which oversee some of the day-to-day issues regarding the corporation matters.
It is not uncommon for a committee to be tasked with the responsibility of obtaining and approving maintenance on behalf of all owners for the corporation.
When the committee is involved in arranging these jobs, it is not uncommon for owners to feel that the members of the committee have acted in the best interest of the corporation and all owners.
As an owner, one may have an expectation that members of the committee, but not limited to the committee, have checked that the contractor has appropriate insurances, licences and capabilities to carry out the scope of work including guarantees.
I would suggest a more open line of communication is formed between owners and the committee members so your questions may be addressed.
Should you feel there are concerns then it is best addressed to the committee or your strata manager.
I hope this provides you a little bit more clarity and remember if work has been carried out satisfactorily, being fair, payments should not be withheld.
This post appears in Strata News #573.
Tyson D’Sylva Ace Body Corporate Management E: tyson.d@acebodycorp.com.au P: 08 8342 1544