News - Triumphant Property Services

Common Area vs. Storage Area

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -1000

In a number of buildings we care for, we have noticed a trend of residents storing various items in areas that are considered common areas. These include car bays, alcoves adjacent to front doors and even walkways. The reality is these items are quite often not only unsightly but also pose a significant safety risk in many ways. The most obvious are those that may cause trips, slips and falls.

Case in point. A complex was being evacuated during a fire drill and an occupant who was exiting their apartment tripped on a shoe rack outside his door, struck his head on the wall and was knocked unconscious. The Strata By-Laws prohibited the shoe rack being there in the first place and it had been reported to the Strata Manager but no further action taken. Had there been an actual fire and the occupant had been injured or killed, the legal ramifications for the Strata Manager/Company could have been massive.

For more information on this and other legal matters, you should contact your company’s legal representatives.

Spending Money to Save Money

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -1000

Reoccurring incidents of vandalism are quite common in strata apartment complexes. What isn’t common however is the action of installing preventative or surveillance systems to manage the situation. The cost of installing surveillance cameras vs. the cost of constant repairs and maintenance can be quite surprising in the savings department. Obviously the initial outlay can be substantial but when you consider how many other issues this action could prevent, the savings start to add up. If you or any of your owners are interested in having surveillance equipment installed or would like to speak to us about the security of a particular complex, please phone our office on 1300 788145 or email us on admin@triumphantps.com.au. Our website also has information on the Graffiti Task Force, a government initiative designed to help combat and clean up after graffiti vandalism that is backed by the W.A. Police Force and Department of Crime Prevention.

Christmas & New Year - Important Dates

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -1000

Below are the dates for the Christmas/New Year public holidays showing the actual date and the reassigned public holiday date. Please note that as these dates have been changed by the Federal and State Governments this may effect the contractual arrangements for some clients. Please direct all enquiries regarding the servicing of your property to service@triumphantps.com.au.

Christmas Day - Sunday 25 December / Monday 26 December

Boxing Day - Monday 26 December / Tuesday 27 December

New Year's Day - Sunday 1 January / Monday 2 January

Please also remember that due to legal obligations we are required to pay staff a minimum of three hours at a much higher rate than normal.

The Lights Are Out But EVERYONE'S Home!

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -1000

Many of our clients have been complaining of poorly lit common areas in their complexes, most of which are due to the substantial number of globes not operating. The cost of public liability insurance isn't getting any cheaper and that is because claims made for accidents occuring under this category can reach millions in a worst case scenario. So whenever we hear this from a client, we immediately ask "Does your cleaning contractor monitor lighting faults and replace globes where possible?" The answer is almost always no because the contractor is either not insured to carry out this work or is not willing to include it as part of their services to building. This leads to costly call outs from your electrician for something as simple as changing a few globes.

Our Projects Team are dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive and affordable lighting service, one that includes a full report of any lighting issues in the building and any suggested changes to lighting or lighting systems that would benefit the complex or the owners. The best part about this is that even though this service is provided at an additional cost, the saving on a call out from an electrician can be as much as $100 per visit. Think about how many times you need to have your globes replaced in a year, times that by $100 and you get an idea of just how much you could be saving.

Lighting inspections, reports and globe replacements are a service we offer to clients only as it is included as part of the tailored and reviewed building management plans we negotiate on our appointment to a complex. If you would like to speak to a Triumphant Property Services team member, contact our office on 1300 788 145 We look forward to lightening your load (pardon the pun!)

What a Waste!

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -1000

Over the last few months, our Projects Team have been called out to a number of sites for bulk waste removal. In many cases these items are simply just to large to put in a standard bin and will not be collected as part of the weekly waste collection. The end result can be a mammoth pile of discarded televisions, lounge suites and even the occasional fridge or BBQ.

The reality is that most Strata buildings face this on an ongoing basis and benefit from established waste management plans. Triumphant Property Services currently manages the waste for approximately 80% of our properties, using waste management plans developed in consultation with the Council of Owners and the Strata Manager.

If you know of a property that could benefit from a solid waste management plan or would like to discuss any waste management issues with your buildings contact Anthony Ulijn, Client Services Manager, on aulijn@triumphantps.com.au.

Career Paths for Cleaners

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -1000

After two years of hard work, Cleaning Council W.A. (CCWA) has a final framework for the implementation of traineeships in the cleaning industry. This new format will allow trainees to complete 75% of their course work on the job with minimal impact on their daily tasks and the flexibility of training whilst they work.

Mark Berry, CCWA Executive Board Member, has been crucial in the sourcing of appropriate Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), developing the framework of the programs implementation and educating employers on the benefits of traineeships for both them and their staff.

We at Triumphant Property Services look forward to taking advantage of this innovative and pro-active approach to training within in the cleaning industry and anticipate providing this opportunity to all eligible staff. This means a skilled workforce and career paths for cleaners with recognised qualifications and measurable outcomes.

What House Rules?

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -1000

One of the biggest issues the Strata Managers we at Triumphant Property Services deal with face is the misuse of common areas and facilities. From minor things like storing their entire collection of shoes outside their door to what can only be termed destruction of property, these areas are often covered by the complexes House Rules which dictate how they are used and any restrictions on their use. However ask most tenants and they would probably tell you the House Rules must have been in the information they got when they moved in and that was the first and only time they ever looked at it.

Of course ignorance of the House Rules is no excuse for a lack of common sense but the reality is people need clear guidelines. Here’s an idea for all of you struggling with these sorts of issues. Have your House Rules made into a sign professionally and install it in the problem area or a high traffic area of the building.

You should also encourage owners to register for our www.mybuildingmanager.com.au service. An online web portal that acts as a building management tool that can be used by all tenants, owners and managers and allows for things such as House Rules, notice board items and any other important information to be available online 24/7. It can also be distributed to all persons registered under that particular complex. Take a moment now to browse our website at www.mybuildingmanager.com.au and see just how this simple tool will truly save you time and money in the management of your strata contracts.