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Many Bodies Corporate look around their property and decide that an upgrade of facilities or common property is due for a variety of reasons. It may be the replacement of a significant asset is required due to it reaching the end of its planned life, or a property is looking dated and needs enhancement - be it external painting, refurbishment of the main entrance foyer, replacing the roof membrane, the resurfacing of a pool and its immediate surrounds, major landscaping works, resurfacing of car parks and driveways.

Undertaking major works on a Strata Titled complex can enhance not only the appearance but the value of your property and is generally taken on in a bid to make your property more attractive (to both current and potential owners) or to improve the facilities your property has to offer its residents. What was previously mentioned in passing or brought up for more thought at a later stage suddenly takes on a life of its own and if not managed in a careful and considered way, can end up costing a Body Corporate a loss of money and reputation.

Many Committee's, whilst setting out with the best intentions of overseeing such works themselves on a voluntary basis, can find that suddenly what appeared to be a relatively straight forward project can turn into a nightmare. Cost blow outs, extensive unavailability of an asset (such as pools) restricted access to much used common area's such as foyers or driveways suddenly become reality. Committee members suddenly find themselves under siege by other owners and the apportioning of who is to blame can divide a previously well working, harmonious and competent Committee.

The expertise to correctly manage projects such as these are often beyond the members that may make up the Committee. Most Committees are full of people with vast knowledge and expertise from their working life however that expertise may not be applicable to projects such as those mentioned above. What is thought to be a $40,000 dollar job can double or triple if all stages of the project are not thoroughly and professional planned. Engaging less than best practice contractors, non allowance of contingencies, failure to clearly identify a scope of works and communicate to all parties involved - the Committee, parties called upon to tender for the project, your Community Manager, other owners, neighboring properties (for access issues) and in some cases the local council for approval - can lead to substantial cost blow outs and the good reputation of the Committee.
By engaging a professional Project Manager to plan for any major works or upgrades, Committee's can save themselves the stress and anxiety that accompanies the roll out of large projects such as the ones discussed above - not to mention the potential to loss substantial amounts of monies due to unforeseen circumstances that Committee's would not be aware of. The Body Corporate of a large Gold Coast mixed use property recently, with all good intention, tried to manage the resurfacing of a large outdoor pool - including removing and replacing the membrane and relaying a pebble crete finish. After being told what was required by separate various contractors - many of whom would offer no guarantee or warranty for their work, and without a Project Manager to oversee and co-ordinate the numerous trades involved - what was budgeted as a $45,000.00 dollar project ended up costing $110,000.00.

By engaging a professional Project Manager from the outset of the project, the Committee would have saved themselves approximately $40,000.00 by utilising preferred trades, negotiating down what were high labour rates and clarifying and eliminating unnecessary works by identifying and defining a clear scope of works.

Project management of major works identified to be undertaken by Bodies Corporate can save both economically and enhance the Committee's image amongst other owners as a Committee that is engaging professional people to professionally manage and value add to their most important asset - their property.
Star BMS has the expertise and experienced project managers who can manage any project for your body corporate, we can:
• Prepare a detailed scope of works
• Have prepared concept and design drawings
• Source quotes for each stage of the project
• Run the tender process
• Supervise all trades
• Obtain all the necessary local government approvals
• Obtain all guarantee documentation
• Check the quality of work of all trades
• Check all invoices for accuracy and provide payment authority.