A Building Manager assists in the co-ordination of maintenance and management of a building.

Their responsibilities include organising repairs, managing maintenance schedules to ensure compliance with safety regulations. They act as a primary contact for owners, residents, and contractors, assisting in the facilitation of a safe and secure environment whilst ensuring by-law compliance. A Building Manager plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the building.

The roles of Building Managers and Strata Managers both serve the Owners Corporation but are distinct. A Building Manager is primarily onsite, handling the implementation of maintenance and upkeep of common property. In contrast, a Strata Manager is offsite, responsible for day-to-day administrative management concerning the common property and the residents. This includes coordinating Strata Meetings, preparing budgets, issuing levies, and managing insurance and invoice payments.

Key Differences

Building Manager:

• Responsibilities: Manages asset maintenance and communication, oversees repairs, and coordinates the maintenance schedule for common property. Acts as the main on-site contact for owners, residents, and contractors.

• Inspections: Conducts periodic inspections to monitor the condition of common property and assist in investigating potential by-law violations.

• Compliance and Certifications: Assisting to ensure compliance by coordinating certifications for lifts, fire protection systems, and more. Handles registration of property access devices and keeps building noticeboards updated.

• Contractor Management: Engages contractors on behalf of the client to undertake routine servicing, repairs and building projects. This includes vetting and selecting contractors, monitoring contracts, and managing onboarding, induction, and ongoing supervision to ensure compliance.

Strata Manager:

• Administrative Oversight: Handles administrative duties such as scheduling owners' meetings, ensuring legal compliance, and correspondence between owners and potential buyers. Manages valuations, building insurance, and communal area maintenance like gardening, pool cleaning, and painting.

• Financial Management: Drafts budgets covering daily operations and future capital works projects, collects levies from owners, and aids in debt recovery if owners fall behind.

• Community and By-Law Enforcement: Acts as a mediator between owners during disputes, enforces by-laws when necessary, and fosters a cohesive community environment.

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Building managers play a crucial role in maintaining and operating buildings efficiently. Their responsibilities fall into three main categories: Residential Building Management, Facility Management, and Property Management.

Residential Building Manager:

Residential building managers focus on the upkeep of areas shared by residents and the overall building assets. Their duties include monitoring residents' behaviours in relation to the by-laws, managing contractors, and attending to the needs of residents to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.

Facility Manager:

Facility managers are responsible for properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial complexes. Their role encompasses the maintenance of building infrastructure and providing assistance to tenants. They primarily manage the facilities within each building.

Property Manager:

Property managers primarily serve as a link between tenants and property owners. They manage leasing, rent collection, address maintenance issues in leased spaces, and handle other tenant-related issues. Unlike building or facility managers, they generally do not oversee the maintenance of common areas in the building.

The cost of hiring a Building Manager in NSW can vary significantly and is influenced by several key factors:

Seniority of the Manager: The experience and qualifications of the Building Manager are key in determining their cost. Managers with more experience and higher qualifications typically command higher fees.

Location and Accessibility: The geographical location of the property can significantly influence the cost. Building Managers in metropolitan areas or regions with higher living costs may have higher fees. Additionally, if the property is located in an area with fewer qualified managers or is distant from urban centers, requiring extensive travel, this can also increase the cost.

Scope of Work, Role Flexibility, and Working Hours: The cost varies depending on the agreed-upon scope of work in the service agreement. A broader scope, requiring more hours, complex tasks, or working on weekends, typically leads to higher costs.

Training and Processes from the Building Management Company: A Building Manager who has undergone extensive training or comes from a company with well-established management processes often commands a higher rate.

Existing or New Scheme: New schemes might demand a higher cost due to the increased scope of work, such as establishing processes and onboarding tenants, compared to existing, well-established schemes.

Support Required: In more complex schemes or based on the specific scope of work, some Building Managers may need external support. This could involve working in collaboration with the executive team of the building management company or an operations manager, which can also influence the cost. The need for additional support or resources to manage the property effectively can lead to higher fees.