Introduction
Managing a strata property involves more than responding to maintenance issues as they arise. Long-term planning is essential to help ensure common property is maintained appropriately, future works are anticipated, and stakeholders have a clear understanding of upcoming maintenance requirements.
In Western Australia, eligible strata schemes are required to prepare a 10-Year Maintenance Plan. More than a compliance requirement, the plan provides a structured framework for understanding building assets, forecasting maintenance needs, and supporting informed decision-making over the long term.
Understanding what should be included in a 10-Year Maintenance Plan helps Strata Companies and Councils of Owners ensure the document remains practical, relevant, and aligned with the property’s ongoing maintenance needs.
Why a 10-Year Maintenance Plan Is More Than a Schedule of Future Works
A common misconception is that a maintenance plan is simply a list of repairs to be completed over the next decade.
In reality, an effective plan provides a broader understanding of the building’s assets, their expected lifecycle, current condition, and anticipated maintenance requirements. It enables stakeholders to make informed decisions based on the building’s long-term performance rather than responding only when issues become apparent.
For strata-managed properties, this supports more proactive planning and better management of common property.
What Information Should a 10-Year Maintenance Plan Include?
While every strata property is different, a comprehensive maintenance plan should provide a structured overview of the building and its major assets.
Identification of Common Property Assets
The plan should identify the significant building elements and common property assets that require ongoing maintenance throughout their service life.
Depending on the property, this may include:
- Roofing systems
- External façades
- Balconies
- Basement areas
- Common services
- Car parks
- Shared amenities
- External infrastructure
Documenting these assets establishes a clear foundation for long-term maintenance planning.
Current Building Condition
Understanding the condition of building assets is essential when planning future maintenance.
A maintenance plan should consider the observed condition of significant building elements at the time the assessment is undertaken. This helps ensure maintenance priorities reflect the actual condition of the building rather than relying solely on expected asset lifecycles.
Where independent building inspections have been completed, the findings may assist in developing a more informed maintenance plan.
Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance Timing
Different building components have different service lives and maintenance requirements.
A maintenance plan should outline anticipated maintenance activities over the planning period based on the condition, expected performance, and lifecycle of identified assets.
This helps stakeholders understand when maintenance may be required and supports more effective long-term budgeting.
Estimated Future Maintenance Requirements
A maintenance plan should provide an overview of anticipated maintenance activities likely to be required throughout the planning period.
Rather than reacting to unexpected issues, stakeholders gain greater visibility of future maintenance priorities and can plan accordingly.
Supporting Asset Information
A well-prepared maintenance plan is often supported by an asset register, which records key information about significant building assets.
This information may include:
- Asset descriptions
- Locations
- Installation or replacement information (where available)
- Expected service life
- Maintenance history where applicable
Maintaining accurate asset information helps improve the effectiveness of long-term maintenance planning.
Why Independent Building Assessments Add Value
A maintenance plan is most effective when it reflects the actual condition of the building.
Independent building assessments provide objective information regarding observed defects, deterioration, moisture-related concerns, and the condition of building elements at the time of inspection.
This evidence-based approach helps ensure maintenance planning is informed by current building condition rather than assumptions, creating a more reliable basis for future planning.
How Maintenance Plans Support Better Decision-Making
A well-prepared 10-Year Maintenance Plan provides more than future maintenance forecasts.
It also helps stakeholders:
- Understand the condition of common property assets
- Plan future maintenance activities
- Support long-term financial planning
- Prioritise maintenance based on building condition
- Establish a documented reference for ongoing asset management
For Strata Companies and Councils of Owners, this creates greater confidence when making decisions regarding future maintenance and capital expenditure.
How 360 Advisory Services Supports 10-Year Maintenance Planning
360 Advisory Services prepares independent 10-Year Maintenance Plans for strata properties across Perth and Western Australia.
Our services include:
- Independent building condition assessments
- Preparation of 10-Year Maintenance Plans
- Depreciating asset registers
- Common property inspections
- Building defect investigations
- Evidence-based reporting to support long-term asset management
Our focus is on providing practical, independent documentation that helps Strata Companies and Councils of Owners understand building condition and plan future maintenance with greater confidence.
Final Thoughts
A 10-Year Maintenance Plan is an important tool for the long-term management of strata properties. By documenting common property assets, considering building condition, and forecasting future maintenance requirements, the plan provides stakeholders with a structured framework for managing buildings over time.
When supported by independent building assessments and accurate asset information, a maintenance plan becomes more than a legislative requirement—it becomes a valuable resource for informed maintenance planning, budgeting, and ongoing asset management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is included in a 10-Year Maintenance Plan?
A 10-Year Maintenance Plan typically includes common property assets, building condition information, anticipated maintenance requirements, asset lifecycle considerations, and long-term maintenance planning for strata-managed properties.
Q2: Why is building condition important when preparing a maintenance plan?
Building condition helps determine maintenance priorities based on the actual performance and observed condition of building elements rather than relying solely on expected asset lifecycles.
Q3: Does a 10-Year Maintenance Plan include an asset register?
An asset register often supports a maintenance plan by documenting significant building assets and providing information that assists long-term maintenance planning.
Q4: Who benefits from a 10-Year Maintenance Plan?
10-Year Maintenance Plans assist Strata Companies, Councils of Owners, strata managers, and other property stakeholders by providing a structured approach to long-term maintenance planning and asset management.