Balcony Timber floor, Who is responsible?

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by TforTim, 4th Apr, 2018.

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  1. TforTim

    TforTim Active Member

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    Hi All,

    Townhouse has a little balcony, which timber floor has rotten in some area, and property manager said it would be owner responsibility to maintain and keep in good condition, such as regular sanding and sealing from weather.

    I thought it is outside of building, so would it be strata responsibility?

    Please educate me.
    Thanks in advanced.
    [​IMG] le
     
  2. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    • Is the balcony within your lot boundaries? Yes - quite likely to be yours to repair or replace.
    • No, Is there an exclusive use by-law? This would outline who has the maintenance and ownership responsibility
     
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  3. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    If it is on your title and you have sole access to it, then it most probably falls within the boundary of your property, belongs to you and repairs are your responsibility.

    Strata is responsible for common areas.
    Marg
     
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  4. Jane Ridder

    Jane Ridder Well-Known Member

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    I've had similar issues with balcony repairs on one of my strata titled properties in the past. I had to pay for the repair both times.
     
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  5. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    So did we. We had to pay for our balcony to be re-tiled.
    Marg
     
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  6. Colin Rice

    Colin Rice Mortgage Broker Business Member

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    Part of the property so property owners responsibility.

    Odd choice of flooring for a balcony though! I would consider ripping it up and replacing with something more suitable or perhaps polish the existing concrete or leave as is?
     
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  7. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    Looks like timber joists and probably just timber flooring. Perhaps get some thick (bathroom floor thickness) compressed AC (fibro) sheeting to replace the timber that is rotting. If the joists are not rotten, then you can paint the underneath of the fibro brown and nobody will know it is not timber.

    If you are handy this would be an easy one day job. If not, it wouldn't cost much to have a handyman do it.

    Then paint it or tile over it.
     
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  8. TforTim

    TforTim Active Member

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    Thank you all. I will try to learn how to repairs first.
     
  9. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    Make sure you comply with all relevant building regulations regarding the structural integrity of balconies.
    Marg
     
  10. Zepth

    Zepth Well-Known Member

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    What state is it in, what year was it built, and is the balcony included in the original strata plan?
     
  11. Ted Varrick

    Ted Varrick Well-Known Member

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    Your location says Sydney, so depending on your strata plan (you'll need to check the title..) the Owners Corp might be up for 0%, 50% or 100% of the repair bill.

    This might help... http://www.strataplus.com.au/user_files/Whos-Responsible-SCA-NSW Nov 2014.pdf
     
  12. dabbler

    dabbler Well-Known Member

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    I am not familiar with your strata, or if there is one in place, but that is a horrid little troublesome thing....without cover above, it will require constant maintenance and periodic replacement of timber/s....
     
  13. Ed Barton

    Ed Barton Well-Known Member

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    It's a bit big to be a juliette balcony. Perhaps it's a bong balcony? I presume it's off the bedroom. These balconies have no function apart from smoking.

    Are you sure that front door step is up to code?