Strata Window Replacement

CheapSticks on 22/02/2021 - 13:36

hi

Our strata is looking to replace windows in the building (total of 15 units). Couple of things on which I was after views of people based on experience/relevant expertise.

  1. The quote doesn't include the flyscreen doors (flyscreen window is included). Shouldn't as strata we get the flyscreen does as well as everyone will anyhow need. Understandably the concern of strata might be that maintenance of them but it is possible to carve out the flyscreen doors out of maintenace but still get installed through strata?

  2. Should strata take care of removal of existing blinds/curtains etc for each unit and then put it back on after install as almost everyone needs it…perhaps that can be done through handyman by strata (economies of scale)

  3. Post installation patching and painting should understandably be each units matter i suppose as hard to get economies given need to match paint color etc.

Very keen to hear your thoughts - we hv strata meeting shortly. thank you

Financial

Comments

  • avoidfullprice on 22/02/2021 - 13:54
    +1

    NSW strata is only required to do things legally and what agreed upon. If everyone wants flyscreen, sure. If only you want flyscreen, then ask your one to include flyscreen and pay for extra. More importantly, make sure opening windows above certain height to include child lock out device.

    As an owner I would ask for removal of waste at the meeting

  • JimmyF on 22/02/2021 - 13:59
    +6

    Make sure you get some DECENT windows that air seal well, and if you have lots of noise around, double glazing is a must!

    • CheapSticks on 22/02/2021 - 15:46

      Thank you for your suggestion of double glazing - seems like its acoustic and thermal barrier - will need to check how much more does it cost.

      Any recommendation for company?

  • Meho2026 on 22/02/2021 - 14:21
    +1

    I own a unit where strata replaced wooden window frames with aluminum in 12 unit building in Sydney.

    If the quote doesnt include flyscreens and you are on the executive committee then ask the strata manager to get a quote that does include fly screens.
    Otherwise approach a member of the committee to get it done or get on the committee yourself.
    I dont really understand what you mean about "carve out the flyscreen doors out of maintenace". You cant use funds from the administrative budget if thats what you mean but if strata install fly screens then they will have to maintain them and repair damage. Thats probably why they arent included in your current quote, people will trash them.

    No, strata will not take down and put your window coverings, these are not the responsibility of strata. If you are unable to do this yourself, you will have to arrange someone else to do it at your expense.

    The window installers did not leave any area that needed patched or painted.

    • CheapSticks on 22/02/2021 - 15:54

      Thank you. Thats helpful.

      For installing windows i was told they will need to cut through the concrete some what which wud need patching/painting. Wud you pls PM me your window installer. Thank you so much

      • AndyC1 on 22/02/2021 - 19:49

        This does not sound right as replacing windows should not need concrete to be cut. It may need bolts or nails or screws to be cut / ground out due to corrosion.

        I would investigate why concrete needs to be cut as this could cause issues in the future.

        • John Kimble on 23/02/2021 - 13:08

          This does not sound right as replacing windows should not need concrete to be cut.

          How do you know this?

  • AndyC1 on 22/02/2021 - 14:23

    I would pose the question as to why the windows are getting replaced in the first place as windows last a long time with the exception of the rollers, which may fail after 10 to 20 years and are easily replaced, but they may be hard to get and people will tell you they are not made anymore, but if you google for a few hours you can find them (been there done that twice over the years).

    There are companies that fix windows and I would give them a call to see if the windows can be fixed and made good as it seems this may be easier to get approved as it should be cheaper than replacing the windows and you get to keep the fly screens.

    If the reason that the windows do not meet current regulations then this will be the case for every old house and apartments, but no one is changing them for the this reason.

    • CheapSticks on 22/02/2021 - 15:55

      They are old - its 1970s building and there is not gap between sliding window and the frame etc plus rusted at some points as well. They hv been talking abt replacing for years and now seems like pushing the button

  • Muzeeb on 22/02/2021 - 14:31
    +3

    Note to self: do not buy into a strata managed property

  • FoxJump on 22/02/2021 - 15:18
    +2

    I owned an apt where windows got replaced and I was part of the SC committee.
    Fly screens were an owner-option.
    Refitting of window furnishings was not included as quite often the old furnishings no longer were suitable (as the layout of windows changed)
    The wooden trim was the individual owners problem to make good again. This is because different units have different colours and it would be a pain to get it all done in one wack.

    • CheapSticks on 22/02/2021 - 15:57

      Thats a very good point that furnishing may not be suitable.That might be an issue for some units that have renovated it in the near term

      • FoxJump on 22/02/2021 - 19:38

        I had to get new blinds for every window

  • pharkurnell on 22/02/2021 - 16:04
    -2

    Reason # katrillion not to live in a unit…

    • CheapSticks on 22/02/2021 - 16:07
      +1

      I don't think that should be a reason not to live. More a lifestyle choice and what stage of life the person is. Its almost 40 yrs old bldg - unit in a new bldg in vicinity is 60-70% more. We lived in it for 10yrs - way more convenient way of life.

      One of my know - had a big house- both kids moved out - just the couple left - they sold house and bought unit now - easy for them to maintain at their age. So all depends person to person.

      btw I didnt neg you

  • elgrande on 22/02/2021 - 18:19
    +1

    Have you considered replacing external doors with internal doors?

    • CheapSticks on 22/02/2021 - 18:48

      Sorry not clear - what do you mean pls

    • AndyC1 on 22/02/2021 - 19:46

      Wrong thread.

  • HMK on 24/02/2021 - 08:25

    I'm in Vic, so Laws may differ.
    In our Owners Corporation, Windows are the individual Lots responsibility. The strata plan will show who is responsible, and/or your specific Owners Corporations precedents (eg if windows have always been the Owners Corporation expense, than to keep with that).
    Regarding fly wire screens on the doors-I would recommend doing a little more research into this. If the doors are required to be fire rated, a fly wire screen may be prohibited. This varies with each Owners Corporation, depending on if the door leads to an internal part of the building or directly outside.
    If you have an annual fire safety report done, I would contact the people who do that and ask them, or even meet up with them when they come to do their mandatory inspections of your Owners Corporations common property.
    Best of luck!

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