Let’s Make a Few 2024 New Year’s Strata Resolutions

or, it’s time for strata promises, catch ups and planning …

A Quick Take

We typically make a bunch of promises to ourselves [and others] at the start of each year as a way of self-checking and goal setting.  So, why not do so for and in your strata building?  Here are my suggestions for 2024 strata resolutions that benefit all strata citizens.

[a 3:25 minute read, with 634 words]

The Full Article

INTRODUCTION

It’s a universal western tradition to make New Year’s resolutions to ourselves [and others] promising to do what we missed, to do new things, and to be better over the next 12 months.

So, what kind of New Year’s resolutions could or should a strata building [and strata citizens] make since they don’t need to lose weight, get fitter, drink more water, or, quit smoking [or do they]?

A FEW 2024 STRATA RESOLUTIONS

Here are a few ideas for 2024 New Year’s strata resolutions focusing on improvements in community living, efficiency, management, sustainability, and compliance for different stakeholder groups.

For Strata Buildings

Enhance Security Measures: Implement or upgrade security systems, including surveillance cameras, better lighting in common areas, and secure access controls.

Increase Energy Efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting and encourage strata residents to adopt energy-saving practices.

Improve Waste Management: Set up more efficient waste, recycling and composting programs to reduce waste.

Enhance Common Areas: Upgrade facilities such as gyms, pools, and lobbies to increase safety, comfort and aesthetics.

Implement Sustainable Practices: Introduce green initiatives like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, heat pumps, and eco-friendly landscaping.

Regular Maintenance Checks: Establish a routine to regularly assess maintenance and repair needs to prevent major issues from catching you out.

Strata Community Engagement: Organise better and more frequent information, meetings and events to address common concerns and foster engagement.

For Strata Owners

Stay [or Get] Informed About Strata Rules & By-Laws: Find, read and stay up to date with the strata building's rules, by-laws and regulations.

Participate in Strata Meetings: Actively participate in strata meetings to learn, demonstrate interest and support, ask questions, voice concerns and make suggestions.

Promptly Payment of Levies: Pay strata levies on time to avoid penalties and contribute to the building’s cashflow.  And, if you have difficulties, communicate with your strata building and reach agreement about a payment plan.

Maintain Individual Strata Lots: Keep your individual strata lots clean and in good repair, adhering to building standards and regulations.

Respect Common Areas: Use common areas responsibly, fairly share them with other strata residents and encourage others to do the same.

Sustainable Living Practices: Adopt energy efficient and eco-friendly practices within your strata lot, such as using energy-efficient appliances, managing water use, and more.

Improve Communication: Communicate effectively and in timely ways with the strata building, managers and other strata owners, especially regarding repairs or concerns.

For Strata Managers

Improve Communication: Establish clear and regular communication channels with strata owners and residents and use them in easy-to-understand language.

Financial Management: Ensure up-to-date, transparent and efficient management of strata levies, liabilities, receipts, payments, funds and budgets.

Conflict Resolution: Develop and/or improve your skills, strategies and approach to managing conflicts within strata buildings.

Stay Updated with Laws: Keep up to date [and understand] changes in strata laws and regulations [especially since most Australian states have and are making changes] to ensure you know what you’re doing, can guide strata buildings properly and be compliant.

Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect strata buildings to identify safety, maintenance and other needs as well as verifying work completion.

Encourage Involvement: Facilitate and encourage strata owner and resident engagement and participation in strata meetings, decisions and activities.

Professional Development: Pursue ongoing education and training in strata management and related disciplines to improve your skills and knowledge [and your self-worth].

CONCLUSIONS

Without strata shaming anyone, we all know we can do better than last year.  And, even adopting just a few of these strata resolutions will improve things in strataland.

And, just imagine if every strata citizen did a few of these obvious and uncontroversial things.

January 01, 2024

Francesco ...