If you’ve ever moved into a strata building and noticed that everything works exactly as it should, there’s a good chance a diligent owners corporation (OC) manager regularly conducts site inspections.
From lightbulbs to tidy gardens and non-squeaky doors, site inspections help identify issues in the property’s common areas that need addressing before they become larger problems.
Site inspections are often one of the most underrated tools in owners’ corporation management. Getting the frequency right can be the difference between a building that stays in great shape and one that racks up unexpected (and unnecessary) financial costs.
What Gets Inspected During a Site Inspection
A site inspection isn’t a quick walk-around. OC managers will typically have a checklist of items to review, as well as details on any previously identified issues that might need follow-up. It’s usually a comprehensive review of everything listed below:
- Common areas and shared facilities: Including lifts, lobbies, car parks, gardens, gyms, and pools to ensure they’re clean, well-lit, and functioning.
- Cleaning standards: OC managers work closely with cleaning contractors to ensure standards are being met and address any areas of concern.
- Building fabric: Including checking for any cracking, water damage, peeling paint, or damaged surfaces. Catching these early preventsexpensive leaks and structural issues down the line.
- Safety compliance. Such as fire equipment, emergency lighting, and exit signage. In Victoria, these have specific regulatory requirements and need to be actively maintained.
- Security: Checking that access points, CCTV, and lighting are operational. Poor security creates real risk, and it’s oftenmore preventable than people realise.
- Maintenance follow-up: Ensuring previously reported issues are resolved and determining whether further follow-up or maintenance is needed. An inspection is a great accountability check.
How Often Should Site Inspections Be Conducted?
There’s no single answer that fits every building in Victoria. The right inspection frequency depends on the size and complexity of your building, its age, the level of activity of your committee, and whether there are ongoing or substantial maintenance issues.
That said, here are some reasonable benchmarks to work from:
Tier 1: Large or complex buildings
These require monthly inspections, at a minimum. These buildings have more moving parts, more common property to monitor, more facilities to manage, and more residents whose needs can quickly add to wear and tear.
Tier 2: Mid-size buildings
Quarterly inspections are typically recommended, with additional visits when issues are flagged or maintenance is underway.
Tier 3: Smaller buildings
Twice-yearly inspections can work well, provided the committee is reasonably engaged and there’s a clear process for raising issues between visits.
What to Know About Site Inspections in Victoria
Under the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic), an owners corporation has a duty to maintain and repair common property. While the Act doesn’t prescribe a specific inspection schedule, that duty of care implies a proactive approach.
This is especially relevant for buildings with a maintenance fund. Regular inspections directly inform your ten-year maintenance plan, which is a legislative requirement for Tier 1 and Tier 2 owners’ corporations in Victoria.
If you’re unsure about your obligations for OC maintenance funds, our guide is a good place to start.
How Above OCM Manages Site Inspections
At Above OCM, regular site inspections are the foundation of good strata management. We ensure we get the frequency right for your building’s tier, make sure inspections are thorough and documented, and use what we find to stay proactive about maintenance needs.
If you’d like to know how we structure inspections for the strata buildings we manage, or if you’re curious whether your current management is giving your building the attention it deserves, our team can help.Get in touch with us here.
