Category: Uncategorised

A La Nina event set to impact Queensland in coming months could bring the most destructive summer weather in years.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says there is a 94 per cent chance of La Nina conditions in 2020-21, bringing the risk of a worse-than-average cyclone season.
So with this increased risk of cyclone, storm and rain, we need to be prepared, and try and mitigate any potential losses.

Therefore here are some practical tips to help you reduce your risk for the storm season ahead.

• If you haven’t already, prepare an emergency kit and keep it handy (this can include things like first aid supplies, torch, battery operated radio, important documents and medicines).
• Subscribe to local alerts and warning systems to allow you to stay up-to-date with expert information and advice – www.bom.gov.au
• Organise a maintenance check from a qualified tradesperson, and fix any broken items such as glass windows and door locks.
• Regularly clear gutters and rubbish around your property.
• Check trees overhanging your property are well maintained and trimmed clear of the building.
• Identify where and how to turn off the mains supply for water, power and gas.
• Make sure your roof and gutters are in good condition, and arrange the repair of any loose tiles, eaves or roof screws.
• Review all your insurances to ensure your cover is adequate, and if your building hasn’t had a recent insurance valuation, maybe now is the best time to get one.
• If your building has an evacuation plan – Read it.
• Secure all loose items in common areas and outside your property including garden furniture, umbrellas, sheds and children’s cubby houses.

However in the event disaster strikes and you need emergency assistance, just call State Emergency Services (SES) on 132 500.

Lastly, don’t forget your neighbours, as it’s important that everyone in your community works together to stay safe this storm season.

An insurance broker is a professional adviser who is an expert in insurance and risk management.  They work on behalf of their clients, not for insurance companies, and can be relied on to provide professional advice and guidance when insuring your strata titled property. Some of the benefits of using a broker for your body corporate.

1) They not only have access to the general strata insurance companies, but also the broker only insurance providers, so can give you more options at renewal time;

2) They are proficient in the insurance requirements under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (the BCCM Act), so can make sure you comply with the necessary legislation;

3) They assist with claims from start to finish;

4) They can efficiently answer any concerns owners may have about their policy, including how the body corporate policy may impact their own contents or landlords covers;

5) They are fully licensed to provide recommendations on all aspects of your insurance program.

We know you wouldn’t dream of doing your own legal work or medical tests. So why should your insurance be any different?

If you haven’t worked with an insurance broker before, you’re probably oblivious to the many benefits they can bring, so let us help you navigate the market and find competitive tailored insurance cover.

Whether you are the landlord, tenant or owner-occupier, reduce wear and tear with these quick fix ideas.

1. Holes in Walls
   Photo frame hooks, screws, and other wall attachments can leave behind ugly holes in your walls. These can be easily filled in with a wall filler which can be purchased at hardware stores. For smaller holes, apply filler directly into the hole and smear over with a putty knife. Holes larger than 1cm should be covered with a wall repair patch first. Once the filler is dry, sand down the edges so that it blends completely into the wall. Look out for the various colours of filler available to blend in with your existing wall colour.
2. Scuff Marks
   Scuff marks on the walls can make your apartment appear dirtier than it is. While an all-purpose household cleaner can remove some scuffs, stubborn marks can be covered with touch-up paint. Hardware stores can mix the matching colour if you are able to provide a paint chip from your wall. Dilute the paint with a paint reducer first to slow down drying time – this helps the newer paint blend in better with the surrounding area. Latex paint should be diluted with water.
3. Carpet Stains
   Stains on your carpet make your home appear unclean. The best way to remove a stain is to tackle it with a carpet stain remover before it sets in. For heavily stained carpets, professional carpet steaming is the way to go. Not only does it remove stains, professional carpet steaming also penetrates deep into the fibres to lift out dirt and pollutants, extending the life of your carpet and creating a healthier environment. It is generally recommended that carpets be professionally steamed once a year. Apartments with children and pets, allergy suffers, and smokers should have the carpets professionally steamed more frequently.
4. Wall Indents
   Dings and indents can make your wall appear uneven. Indented or rough patches on the wall can be smoothed by lightly sanding over the area with fine-grit sandpaper. Run your hand over the area every couple of sands to ensure you do not accidentally over-sand the area. Repeat this process until the area is smooth.
5. Hardwood Scratches
   While hardwood floors are much easier to clean than carpet, they can also be much more easily scratched. For shallow scrapes, use a stain pen along the scratch until it begins to blend into the surrounding hardwood. For deeper scratches, fill the scrape in with a wood filler first before using a stain pen.

Need a hand with repairs? Our building repair team can help!