All Buildings Great and Small
BY: JUDY CARTER
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In this issue we are celebrating all things "Big" as well as some of the small things that can happen in the Big Buildings that can make a huge difference.
Two of the largest buildings we manage are Chevron Renaissance and Q1, we are very fortunate to work with both of these buildings. The committee members of Q1 and Chevron Renaissance face many of the same challenges that all committees face, but some are unique to their buildings.
We have asked some members of the Chevron Renaissance committee to share with you some of the unique challenges these larger buildings encounter. You can see how this may relate, or be different to your own experience!
What was the longest committee meeting you have had?
12 Hours! We were all brain dead and exhausted.
How many lots are there in your building?
718 Lots with 15 lifts, 2 pools and commercial areas underneath.
What makes your building unique? The sheer size and complexity of the structure, the design and the facilities make this a really interesting, but diverse and sometimes difficult building to maintain and keep in first class order.
How often do you meet?
We meet every 8 weeks. If we didn't, then the meeting would go for 24 hours! We also meet with the Building Manager, Security Manager, Community Manager and as many of the committee as possible to follow up on the operational matters raised at the committee meetings on a weekly basis. Each of the service contractors and the committee have a "to-do" list which gets added to. As an item is finalised, we note it as complete. This helps to keep the tasks and the communication flowing between committee meetings and gives everyone a chance to share ideas and solutions.
Do you have separate sub-committees and would you recommend them to a smaller building?
We have tried sub-committees in the past, but found that it was hard to get the non-resident members together and the same people ended up doing most of the work.
Do you find working on your committee satisfying? Yes, no, yes, no...........yes! There are times when you just get tired of it all, but on balance, feeling like you are making a difference to the facilities and lives of lot owners and trying to keep an eye on costs gives you a feeling of satisfaction when it all comes together.
Do you think being a large-building places more responsibility on you and your committee than a smaller building's committee?
No. All committees have the same sorts of issues and responsibilities really. By-law enforcement; maintaining the physical environment and building standards of the building; ensuring that work carried out is done properly by qualified contractors and on budget. These are common to big and small buildings.
How many hours a week do you contribute to your committee work?
At least 15 to 20 hours per week for each active committee member. Mostly we catch up with emails and phone calls late in the evenings and early in the morning before we go to work in our own businesses.
What was the most satisfying decision you and your committee have made in your time on the committee?
...Still waiting for the BIG one! We have had lots of small successes and reasons for satisfaction, but we know the BIG one is out there.
What is the one thing you could change that would make the biggest difference to the lot owners you represent?
Being able to select the ideal Caretaker/ Building Manager and ensure the service delivery that we believe the building and the lot owners deserve.
