10 Things Every Strata Committee Should Know Before Starting a Remediation Project

Strata remediation projects can be complex, expensive and disruptive — particularly when the people making decisions are volunteer strata committee members without construction experience.

Before committing to a remediation project, here are 10 things your committee should consider:

1️⃣ Understand the problem first
Make sure the defect has been properly investigated, with destructive investigations fi required, and the proposed remediation is supported by evidence.

2️⃣ Define the scope clearly
A clear scope helps avoid unexpected work, variations and cost increases during construction.

3️⃣ Have a procurement strategy
Consider how the project will be procured before going to market. The right procurement approach can help achieve competitive pricing, appropriate contractor selection and better control of risk. Have a say on what contractors are invited to tender.

4️⃣ Consider constructability
A technically appropriate repair isn't necessarily the easiest or most cost-effective solution to construct.

5️⃣ Understand the tender process
A well-managed tender process should provide a fair comparison of contractors, including their price, methodology, program, experience and proposed exclusions.

6️⃣ Allow for the unexpected
Remediation projects can uncover additional defects once work starts. Appropriate contingencies should be considered.

7️⃣ Understand who is representing the Owners Corporation
The roles of the remedial engineer, contractor, strata manager and client-side project manager should be clearly defined.

8️⃣ Consider potential conflicts of interest
If the same consultant who designs the remediation is also appointed as Superintendent, consider how their commercial interests are aligned with the Owners Corporation — particularly where their fee for administering the construction contract is calculated as a percentage of the contract value.

This doesn't automatically mean there is a conflict, but the committee should understand the fee structure and consider whether independent oversight is appropriate.

9️⃣ Don't underestimate contract administration
Progress claims, variations, extensions of time, defects and Practical Completion all require active management throughout construction.

🔟 Have someone on your side
A client-side project manager can act for the Owners Corporation, providing independent oversight of the project, coordinating consultants and contractors, monitoring costs and program, helping the committee make informed decisions and acting as the Superintendent to administer the construction contract.

Your building. Your money. Your decision.

At CARAS, we provide client-side project management and advisory services for strata remediation projects, helping Owners Corporations navigate the process from investigation and scope development through procurement, construction and completion.

Before you start construction, make sure you have someone representing your interests.

Talk to CARAS about how independent client-side project management can help your next strata remediation project.

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