In a nutshell, strata fees cover the cost of operating and maintaining our building, and part of the fees go to a Contingent Reserve fund for future big expenses like replacing our roof.
Building Questions
Electrical Planning Reports (EPRs) for Strata & Multi-Family Buildings
As EV adoption grows and heat pumps become more common, strata councils across the Lower Mainland are facing a critical question: Can our building’s electrical service handle the additional load?
Going on a long vacation? Concerned about your condo or strata unit while you’re away?
Here are best practices surrounding maintaining unit temperatures, avoiding mold formation, & extended vacancy care of Strata Units. We work with numerous Stratas that are wholly or partially occupied on a seasonal or recreational basis creating concerns potential freezing / splitting of water pipes during extended absence of owners. These Stratas have employed varying strategies […]
Major Changes to BC Strata Regulations, coming July 1, 2025
BC is introducing the biggest changes to strata regulations I have seen in over two decades of helping strata owners manage their building assets.
For many years we have offered what we call “predictive analysis” of strata buildings. Predictive analysis is a proprietary method that helps strata councils determine the best strategies for their reserves funding.
We See Through Walls – The Magic of Thermal Imaging
Definition: Thermal imaging is simply the process of converting infrared (IR) radiation (heat) into visible images that depict the spatial distribution of temperature differences in a scene viewed by a thermal camera. In layman’s terms, and at CSFTS, we use a thermal Imaging camera to pinpoint where undrained water is lying in wait to cause damage […]
Your Time, Your Life: Sometimes That’s not the Case in a Strata or Condo Home
So, you’re the proud owner of a Strata dwelling; or you’re responsible for managing a Strata dwelling; or perhaps you sit on Council for one. Regardless of your role, you have a vested interest in wanting maintenance and repair to be a natural and stress-free part of your day-to-day life. You might think that maintenance […]
Peace of Mind Part 1: Gain Peace of Mind With Your Home by Addressing These 4 Questions
Is peace of mind a concern when you think of your Strata? (also known as Condos, Home Owners Association {H.O.A.} or Multi-Owner) When it comes to Strata ownership, peace of mind is created by good maintenance, good finances, & harmony in the owners’ community. When it comes to your home & investment, peace of mind […]
Peace of Mind Part 2: What’s the Remaining Useful Life of the Major Systems in Your Home?
That’s quite a topic for a blog these days. We hear of bad news, sad news, and outright mad news, but unfortunately, we don’t hear lots of good news. That’s when each of us needs to dig down deep (the 3 D’s) to find ways we can let the general news tone run past us, missing us in its sweep to […]
Peace of Mind Part 3: What is Strata’s Plan to Prevent Negative Surprises That Can Steal Peace of Mind?
What is your Strata’s plan to prevent negative surprises that will steal peace of mind? Based on our 2 previous posts on this topic, we know we need to understand, as a path towards peace of mind with your home, the true condition of your Strata/Condo. We also have a better idea as to why […]
The Calm After the Storm?: Don’t Wait Till After the Storm to Reflect on Risk Planning
November 12 – 15, 2021 will go down in this writer’s mind as the dates when he wished he’d built an ark! Many people are in “the same boat” according to the many news sources, mainstream and local, reporting stranded people and vehicles, plumbers run off their feet with busyness, restoration companies that can only […]
Common Property: Understanding Your Maintenance Responsibilities
Do you live in a Condo/Strata? Do you understand your maintenance obligations? The following article, published November 20, 2021 in the Victoria Times Colonist, answers some of the misunderstandings and confusions associated with Strata/Condo living. Here’s the link: https://www.timescolonist.com/life/condo-smarts-stratas-walkways-driveways-and-backyards-are-common-property-4777055 Contact Us
Consent Agenda: Making Your Meetings More Efficient
My career of 40 years included one dreaded function that I doubt I’ll ever be sorry is gone – The meeting. Why? Well, we always had to meet as a group thinking that it was necessary before we could accomplish anything worthwhile,
