Strata Chat

16. Elias Oostveen & Glen Webster - Home Integrity - Defects & Water Ingress

Elias is a Registered Builder and Glen is a Structural Engineer, together we talk about a few important defect and water ingress issues in strata. Elias and Glen detail the types of defects, whether these are different for age or a particular type of scheme using a few examples. We then discuss what should an owner do if they believe they have a defect, specifically whether it should be a building warranty claim or general maintenance.

15. Rowan Hemsley - Hemsley Paterson & Con Iconomidis - Strata Community Insurance - Strata Insurance Valuations

More and more we are seeing catastrophes are occurring in around the world and Australia, Floods, Storm, Fire and Earthquakes. This is a strong reminder about the importance of adequate insurance cover in case of partial damage or complete devastation to your Strata Scheme. Have a listen to hear a few experts chat about the what, how and why of insurance valuations. If you dont have a listen there here are some top tips! * Always seek advice from a suitably qualified professional. * Draft instructions to the valuer based on your specific requirements * Ensure you flag buildings not noted on the strata plan such as un-approved structures completed after the Strata Plan * Provide as much information to the Valuer about the complex as possible (extensions, alterations, asbestos register, etc.) * If there are issues identified, seek further advice from the relevant professionals (ie. Planning, legal, etc)  * Ensure Valuations are undertaken every 3 years. Insurers will index annually but suggest every 3 years to validate. * If your property is a new build always obtain a new valuation. Obtain from an independent source, the builder's wholesale ext GST build cost is insufficient to use as your Building Sum insured.

14. Con Iconomidis & Natalie James - Strata Community Insurance 103 - What drives the Cost of Strata Insurance? CLAIMS!

Today I chat with Con Iconomidis, Director of Customer & Distribution & Natalie James, Underwriter, Strata Community Insurance We will cover the following & more! What drives your insurance premium? Global performance influences the flow of capital, and the cost and availability of insurers in Australia. Simply put - in good times, capital is attracted to the market, availability is abundant, and prices are cheaper. In the not-so-good times, capital is eroded, and it’s hard to attract more capital into the sector, resulting in tight availability, cost increases, whether an insurer will quote a risk, and if so on what terms. Claims costs are predicted by the number and value of claims across an insurer’s portfolio. Average cost assumptions are built into the pricing, they also take into account claims inflation, different to CPI, claims inflation is driven largely by the cost of building materials and labour, and supply and demand factors. Taxes, duties and levies, yes let's not forget these, on top of the insurer's base premium are various forms of government taxes; terrorism levy, ESL/FSL, GST, stamp duty, these vary depending on the product and which state or territory you are in. So remember when premiums rise, so will tax and if you’re taking out a strata insurance policy in Australia as a strata community, then a big chunk, more than a quarter (27.45%) of what you pay on average goes to government taxes, stamp duties and levies. Individual building characteristics Building quality and condition is a major factor influencing whether an insurer will accept a risk, and if so on what terms. Insurers look at your building’s overall design, resilience (materials, standards, quality), whether it is well maintained, heritage, clad, asbestos, regional, floodzone and overall claims performance. They avoid buildings where the quality and upkeep are poor, so if you want good terms then ensure your building is well designed, well maintained, documented and frivolous claims are avoided. Handy Tips to Simplify Your Strata Claim https://stratacommunityinsure.com.au/handy-tips-to-simplify-strata-claims/ [https://stratacommunityinsure.com.au/handy-tips-to-simplify-strata-claims/]

13. Jimmy Murphy & Dean Cracknell - Town Team Movement - How Do You Create Community In Your Strata Scheme?

Join me, Elizabeth Florence, Abode Strata as I chat with Town Team Movements Jimmy Murphy & Dean Cracknell & fellow strata manager David Elliott from Smithwick Strata on how to Create Community. Town Team Movements is building a movement of positive ‘doers’, enabling local communities and governments to connect, organise and act to regenerate the fabric of their neighbourhoods and create better places that Inspire, support & connect people. You can find out more; Placemaking in just 12 minutes in this free online course - https://www.placemaking.education/p/placemaking-in-12-minutes Town Team Movement https://www.townteammovement.com/  where you can join the hub for free & access community resources An Introduction to Placemaking - Abridged Version https://www.placemaking.education/p/introduction-to-placemaking-abridged An Introduction to Placemaking https://www.placemaking.education/p/introduction-to-placemaking

12. Paul Keating & Con Iconomidis - Strata Community Insurance 102 - The Insurance Product

Listen in as we chat about Strata Insurance the Product. Previously we discussed how a strata company is a not for profit, unlimited liability legal entity, therefore financially responsible (on behalf of all lot owners), for all the assets such as the building and the land, and all liabilities it may have. Owners in Strata Companies need to be aware that there is no cap on these liabilities, they are exposed to any net liabilities of the strata company up to the full extent of their net wealth (not just what you invested into the property). And like all legal entities, a strata company can sue and be sued. It’s important to “get involved” protect your asset, your wealth and understand not all insurance products are created equal.