News - Triumphant Property Services - Strata Cleaning Caretaking Specialists Perth, Western Australia

AusCleanWA 2013 is Coming

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -1000

Celebrate the contribution made by our Australian cleaning industry to public hygiene and sustainable cleaning by involving yourself and your organisation in AUSCLEAN WA 2013.

To be held at the Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, Western Australia, on 19 and 20 March 2013, AUSCLEAN WA is much more than simply seminars, workshops and an exhibition. It is a meeting place for the industry – suppliers and distributors; building service contractors; carpet and restoration technicians; and in-house cleaning and hygiene practitioners.

This event is also an amazing chance for end users to see what developments in the cleaning industry mean for them and maybe even learn a little about an essential service that many people take for granted. The education seminars are very informative and may be of use to Strata Managers and COO members in planning the future needs of their buildings.

Visit our event page on Facebook and register your interest in going. Don't forget to come visit us at Stand 36 for your chance to be a part of the Triumphant Property Services Family!

Road Works Worries

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -1000

With all the road works going on in the metro area, we thought it might be useful for our valued clients and loyal readers to check out this update regarding works on Mounts Bay Road area in the city. We encourage everyone to check the MRA (Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority) site for the latest updates on works in the CBD and surrounds and how they will impact traffic, especially around the Freeways and main CBD entry points. Click on the link below to find out more.

http://www.mra.wa.gov.au/Projects/Elizabeth-Quay/Works-Updates/Traffic-Impacts/

7 Myths of Green Cleaning EXPOSED!

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -1000

The fury of Mother Nature in recent times has increased our awareness of mans impact on the environment. Naturally the marketing giants have taken advantage of this and have positioned a plethora of products as chemical alternatives or that do away with chemicals all together. Using terms like “non toxic, citrus based, and all natural” suggest a product may be better for the environment when in fact there is no real benefit compared with traditional products.

Paul Agar of Agar Cleaning Systems clears up some of this confusion in a recent article titled “Cleaning industry myths debunked” featured in the June/July issue of FM Magazine. Here are the seven green products myths Paul exposes in the article:

Myth 1: Natural substances are not chemicals and are therefore safe

This is false. From a chemist point of view all substances are chemicals. In fact some naturally occurring substances are extremely toxic. Amyl Acetate for example is found in bananas naturally but is also concentrated to be used as a solvent in paint stripper.

Myth 2: Chemicals are artificial substances that have dire health effects

All artificial and natural substances are made up of chemicals. The origin of the substance does not determine its safety or health hazards.

Myth 3: Cleaning chemicals derived from natural sources are less toxic and eco-friendly

A naturally derived ingredient is equally as toxic as an artificial one of the same formula.

Myth 4: Phosphates are bad for the environment

Phosphates are essential for life to exist. They are only bad for the environment when they are in the wrong place at the wrong concentration. Allowing phosphate containing detergent to go down the sewer is not a problem. In fact phosphates will help the treatment works grow bacteria.

Myth 5: Fragrances are strong irritants

Very few fragrances have irritating properties although a very small number of people may be allergic to a particular fragrance.

Myth 6: D-limonene is a totally safe solvent

D-limonene which is the major component of orange-peel oil is classified as hazardous by Safe Work Australia. In many ways, D-limonene is just like kerosene that has been squeezed from orange skins. Even though it comes from an edible fruit, this liquid is capable of causing irritation and drying of the skin, even when it is only a minor component in the product.

Myth 7: Eco-friendly detergents are safe to hose into a river

All detergents and soaps are toxic to fish, no matter how “green” they may be. There is a law against allowing any cleaning products to enter a river or creek. Even though they are biodegradable they are still toxic to aquatic life. Always pour used cleaning solutions down a basin that leads to the sewer to make it safe for the environment.

A Short Case Study in Energy Efficiency

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -1000

Thanks to Rhys Faiers of Blackburne Property Group for allowing us to investigate the electricity use at one of his strata properties. Despite the current electricity costs of $64.00 per day we were able to fi nd ways to:

• Reduce harmful green house gas emissions by 35,350 tonnes per year;

• Reduce energy consumption by 37,113 kilowatt hours per year; and

• Save an estimated $ 10,206.003 from your electricity bill.

All this is done through the reduction in running time of certain lights and the replacement of lamps with direct replacement light emitting diodes (LED) that require no electrical installation work. If you would like to find out how much you could save your strata contracts on their power bills, call 1800 788 145 now!

Ausclean 2013

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -1000

On the surface Triumphant Property Services is just another cleaning contractor, But underneath... we do everything to make our clients lives easier.

Our mission: To deliver cleaning, caretaking and facility management solutions that cater for the unique needs of individual strata buildings enabling owners and residents to enjoy living in their community.

Our services are backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee and our clients have access to a unique loyalty program, My Strata Rewards, where strata complexes are rewarded for their business with Outdoor settings; BBQ’s, LED globes, Artwork and much more. www.mystratarewards.com.au

We also offer Australia’s first online building management portal where apartment residents can access information and house rules and report common area maintenance items 24/7 365 days per year. www.mybuildingmanager.com.au

At Ausclean WA Triumphant Property Services will showcase our full range cleaning, caretaking and facility management services and present some never to be seen again, industry first, bonus offers.

We will be looking to expand our selection of associated services by collaborating with other organisations as well as offering a small number of operators, including those thinking of entering the industry, with the opportunity to access our proven systems and make a guaranteed income working for themselves. www.triumphantps.com.au

AuscleanWA will be held at the Fremantle Esplanade Hotel on the 19^th and 20^th March 2013

Common Area VS Storage Area

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 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 signifi cant 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 fi re 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 fi rst place and it had been reported to the Strata Manager but no further action taken. Had there been an actual fi re and the occupant had been injured or killed, the legal ramifi cations 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.

Carpet Cleaning Conundrum

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -1000

Many developers and designers when putting together the plans for apartment complexes choose to have areas such as lift lobbies and common use facilities carpeted. Whilst this is not a problem most of the time, the issue then becomes how to maintain these areas that have more traffic than others and are far more likely receive stains and soiling from things such as dripping rubbish bags, food and general outside dirt and debris. Obviously the most important thing is regular and thorough vacuuming but the other component of proper floor care is actual carpet cleaning.

There are many options for carpet cleaning and some work better in certain areas than others and some methods are more appropriate depending on the areas. One of the most common concerns is wet/damp carpets, which can be a drawback to extraction cleaning however extraction cleaning is probably one of the most intensive cleaning options available. In cases where this is just not appropriate it is often preferred that the carpet is dry cleaned, a process that uses substantially less water and often leaves carpets dry to walk on in as little as an hour. No matter what method you use, the key is to ensure it is performed regularly and professionally.

The cost of replacing carpet can be astronomical, especially when you consider that common areas need hard wearing and good quality carpets in order to stand up to the traffic they get. Cleaning carpets on a regular basis can, in some cases, remove the need for replacement all together or at least prolong the life of the carpet substantially. Many common areas areoften overlooked when it comes to these more long term treatments and this results in higher costs for owners in the long run because of the ever increasing costs of tradesmen and their materials.

Regular carpet cleaning will also improve the look, feel and value of any area, be it an office of foyer. Coming in every day to your building or office and seeing the same stains month after month can often leave people with a sense of disappointment. The last thing any manager wants to deal with is a monthly call about the coffee stains around Sarah’s desk or the oil patches on level 12 that have been there since “the dawn of time” (that was an actual quote from a resident). Investors obviously see this overall appearance and aesthetics aspect as being crucial in the management of their investment and its eventual sale. Staying on top of floor maintenance is crucial in presenting a well cared for and desirable investment.

So next time you walk into your office or apartment complex, look down at your carpets and take a guess at when the last time they were cleaned was. If you move a piece of furniture or pot plant and the colour underneath is about twelve shades different or doesn’t match in anyway, chances are it’s been too long. Remember that proper care and maintenance today means better presentation and more manageable spending for the future.

Sham Contracting - Are you an unsuspecting target?

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -1000

Many Strata Managers are entering into contracting arrangements that not only put their company at risk but also themselves and their clients. Is your arrangement with the contractor actually an employment contract in disguise? Many sole traders do not have the correct insurances and could be considered an extended worker under section 175 of the Workers Compensation and Injury Act. This leaves the building owners liable for any claims relating to the undertakings of the contractor on their property. In addition, there is also the question of when a contractor is a contractor and when they are an employee. Consider the scenario below and think whether or not you or colleague may have encountered this or are currently in a similar arrangement.

“Jane Smith of Smith Strata Company hires David Doright to clean and maintain the common areas of one of her properties. David is a friend of one of the owners and has offered to do the work for a low rate. Jane provides all cleaning chemicals and equipment that David will require, replaces them when needed and also dictates when the work is to be carried out. David invoices Jane for his work each month which is paid to him as per standard credit terms.”

So since David has an ABN and is invoicing Jane for his work, this makes him a contractor right? Wrong. By definition of the Fair Work Ombudsman, David is actually an employee and therefore Jane should be paying leave entitlements, superannuation payments, insurances (workers comp and public liability) for David and all other legal entitlements of an employee. Sadly, this scenario is not only common but can lead to expensive pay outs running into the hundreds of thousands. The Fair Work Ombudsman is currently auditing companies engaged in contracting arrangements and it is highly likely that many unsuspecting companies will be caught in their blitz on this controversial issue.

So take a moment to consider your current contracting arrangements. There are many aspects that will effect whether or not you are actually contracting out these services or simply employing someone to provide them. Don’t get caught unawares because it may not only be expensive, it may also damage the good name and standing of your company.

What House Rules?

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 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. We also recommend and 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 @ 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.

My Building Manager - Enhancing your community

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -1000

Living in a strata complex can have many benefits but often the transient nature of a percentage of resident can detract for the overall sense of community. I don't think there is a single strata property in Perth hasn't had a problem with a tenant breaching security by chocking a door or gate open, or hanging unsightly washing from the balcony, or using the facilities outside of permitted hours or dumping rubbish etc.

If you know what I am talking about then you probably think its just common sense and that grown adults should not need to be told what's right and wrong. Problem is for many they have never lived in a start community before or have lived in one with completely different facilities and house rules.

So how do you address this with owners, tenants, property managers, strata managers and the myriad of people involved? Well there are many options although most are onerous and require someone to do all the hard work over and over every time someone moves in or out.

We suggest an easier solution is to utilise a customized medium like our www.mybuildingmanager.com.au website that enables residents to access facility information and house rules 24/7. Once we set up the site we will educate existingresidents of the service which includes a range of features designed to enhance your strata community such as 24 hour maintenance reporting, e-news distribution, strata contacts and a useful services directory. We will even provide the documentation for investment owners so that their property manager can direct new residents to the services upon the signing of their lease.

Discover how my building manager can lighten the burden for strata managers and owners today by accessing our free product report at www.mybuildingmanager.com.au/enhance