The process of defect discovery and rectification in strata schemes often becomes a confusing merry-go-round of unclear direction, miscommunication and frustrated expectations. Lawton Reis stops the merry-go-round.

Typically, the strata manager is notified of the presence of defects, becoming the default project manager for the defect rectification process until remedial engineers are engaged, a role outside their core focus.

With recent major developments in the legislation surrounding the construction of strata buildings, the notification processes to the developer and builder have become more complex, adding further liability exposure and risk to strata managers and to the Strata Committee.

Project management then falls to remedial engineers and builders. The focus of the engineers and builders is necessarily technical and ignores the human aspects of the project. The Strata Committee is left trying to make sense of the changing roles, technical information and reports presented, and to then somehow provide considered advice to the Owners Corporation.

At LRDC, we work with Strata Committees and strata managers to forge a clear path through the process of defect discovery and the subsequent rectification of those defects. We provide the greatest value to the project when engaged at the point where defects investigation is flagged as an issue. We then relieve the strata manager of the project management burden, and provide a consistent structure from initial investigations through to tendering of contracts to the builders, and then on to completion. We are the point of contact for the Strata Committee and all stakeholders, from initial investigations to completion of the project.

We optimise the process through four channels of service delivery:

• Project Design: We add value by ensuring that the less technical sides of the project are considered from day one. This can range from providing advice on consulting fee estimates to allow for in settlement negotiations, to ensuring that Strata Committees and builders expectations regarding site access, management and usage align. In addition to the reduction in friction and conflict, effective project design aids in reducing cost variations in the projects.
• Client side project management: We become the information-processing hub, from preparing initial requests for proposals from engineers, up to and including representing the Strata Committee in dealing with builders during construction. Our use of proprietary record keeping systems ensures that no requests are lost or ignored, and our extensive network of consultants and contractors allows us to present a pool of pre-qualified consultants.
• Contract Administration: Once the builder is engaged we review progress claims prior to approval, validating that the work claimed for complies with engineer’s instructions to date, and that the claim reflects the work actually carried out.
• Resident relocations: In the event that works require client relocation, we facilitate this process, including the difficult task of accommodating resident and pets, organising storage and advising residents on protection of their assets.

Timely, clear and easily understood communications between the consultants, the Strata Committee, owners and residents is essential in order to minimise costs and program timelines.

Lawton Reis optimise the defect rectification process in order to stop the merry-go-round.