10 Year Plan reviews

When a building is shared by many owners, long-term planning becomes more than just a smart move, it’s a basic part of keeping things running smoothly. That’s where a strata 10-year plan in Perth plays a big role. It helps building owners and managers look ahead, prepare for upcoming repairs, and manage costs across the entire life of the building.

A 10-Year Plan is a detailed schedule and budget that maps out projected maintenance work for a building. Rather than scrambling at the last minute, it gives everyone a clear view of what’s coming up. From repainting to roof upgrades, planning helps reduce guesswork. But here’s the catch: a plan isn’t very helpful if it just sits in a drawer. Reviewing the plan regularly, especially after the required five-year mark, can flag issues early and keep the building on the right path.

Why 10 Year Plans Matter for Under Construction Buildings

While some owners wait until construction wraps up to think about maintenance, we know it’s smarter to bring planning in early, before handover, ideally. Having a 10 Year Plan in place from the start means budgets can be aligned, and there are fewer chances of problems being left unchecked.

Under construction buildings are in a unique phase. Builders might have covered the basics, but owners are the ones who have to deal with future maintenance. It’s easy to overlook small details like drainage angles, balconies with poor water flow, or early signs of cracking. All of these can end up costing more if they’re ignored too long.

When the defects liability period approaches, it makes sense to review the plan and align maintenance actions with possible claim-worthy defects. That way, building owners are fully prepared for handover and aren’t left struggling with gaps from a “tick the box” report that didn’t get looked at again.

What to Look For in a 10 Year Plan Review

Not all plans are created with care. Some initial reports may have looked fine on paper but didn’t match the reality on site. Reviews help catch this. A proper review should go deeper than just checking if the report exists; it should ask whether what’s in it still makes sense now.

Some of the key things we look for during a review include:

• Whether costs in the plan reflect today’s material and labour needs
• If timing for major works like painting, waterproofing, or concrete repair is still appropriate
• Whether new wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas, has affected the original plan

It’s not uncommon to find that no work has been done at all, even when the last report listed jobs that should’ve started. That’s a risk, especially in younger buildings, where people assume everything will hold up longer than it actually does. A good review points this out before it turns into something harder and costlier to fix.

How Reviews Help With Maintenance Planning

Keeping a plan updated isn’t just a paperwork thing; it directly affects what needs to happen day to day. As a building ages, the use of certain areas may shift. What used to be low-use storage might now be bike parking. The old bin area is no longer big enough to accommodate two or three bins per lot. The entry foyer may be dated and need re-vamping. The gardens may need a makeover to change the design from the 1960’s to the 2020’s. Minor changes like that affect amenity and appearance of the building, and the plan should reflect that.

We find that reviews work best when they’re not too far apart. At the five-year mark, even newer buildings can start to show small trouble spots. That’s usually around the time when original assumptions meet real-life use.

With an updated plan, owners can:

• Book trades and contractors well ahead of time
• Schedule works for dry weather and off-peak times
• Avoid having to make rushed fixes that cost more

When everyone knows what’s coming and when, things run smoother.

Preparing for the Review Ahead of Summer

With summer just around the corner, now’s a smart time to get a review underway. Perth’s dry, hot months can be harsh on external finishes. Paint peels faster, waterproofing membranes start cracking, and roofs can become brittle under constant sun. Having a clear plan in hand before the heat kicks in means necessary works can be booked early, preventing the rush when everyone’s scrambling for trades in January.

Here are a few building elements we usually recommend checking before summer:

• Seals and expansion joints
• Roof linings
• Shading structures and exposed metal
• Gutters and drainage

If those issues are on the 10 Year Plan, that’s ideal, and priority can be given to what’s most weather-sensitive. If not, that’s a sign the plan might require adjustments. Summer is not only tough on buildings, but lining up trades is harder when jobs pile up, so planning now leaves time to avoid stoppages.

Common Issues Found During 10 Year Plan Reviews

One of the most common problems we see is when the initial plan was written quickly, just to tick a box. These reports might look complete but often do not match the actual needs of the building. Sometimes budgets are far lower than reality, or items are scheduled too late, forcing unexpected repairs in the short term.

Common oversights include:

• Roof repairs too far down the list
• No allowance for drainage or waterproofing updates
• Missing smaller, high-use elements like stairwell lighting or door hardware

It’s also quite common for assumptions made during construction to not hold up once the building is lived in. Maybe external areas are used more than expected, or waterproofing was placed under more pressure due to poor falls. When the plan stays the same, these issues remain hidden until they become expensive.

By making changes now, buildings can avoid patchwork repairs that create more hassle later on.

The Value of Independent Strata Reviews

Carrying out an impartial, expert-led review can make a major difference. We use in-depth onsite assessments and reliable reporting for all strata and apartment buildings. Our inspections help strata owners, managers, and developers understand practical, actionable steps tailored specifically to Perth’s requirements. Our focus on clear, photographic evidence and compliance with the WA Strata Titles Act gives building owners control and transparency every step of the way.

Ready for the Next Decade

Regular reviews of a strata 10 year plan in Perth set a building up for the long term. They give everyone more control, fewer surprises, and clearer expectations. Whether it means adapting to new uses or accounting for ageing materials, keeping the plan updated ensures it remains relevant.

Perth’s warmer months are close, and there’s still time to make sure your plan matches both the season and the current state of the property. Getting a fresh review done and acting early helps stop minor issues from growing into major repair jobs, keeping your building strong, clean, and manageable over time.

Planning early for upkeep makes a real difference, especially while buildings are still under construction. Aligning budgets, timing, and expected wear during this phase sets things up properly for future handovers and maintenance. Reviewing or updating your existing strata 10 year plan in Perth helps make sure the details match how the building will be used and what needs attention soon. At ABBC Building Inspectors, we focus on what matters most before those early years pass and small issues grow into big ones. Give us a call to talk through how we can support your next review.