The last few years have seen an explosion in higher density living with apartments and townhouses now accounting for around one third of all new housing constructions. Growth in residential complexes is forecast to surge still further in the next 5 years, particularly in northern New South Wales, southern Queensland and Central Victoria. The changing nature and profile of residents will, no doubt, present some challenges for property and strata managers.
One of the interesting misconceptions about apartment complexes is that it is predominantly young, professional singles or retirees looking to downsize who make up the largest population of apartment dwellers. However, the number of families with children looking to realise some of the benefits of higher density living has also risen significantly in recent years. Whether the appeal is about being closer to city attractions and facilities, decreased commuting times, lower maintenance costs or simply trying to get a foot on the property ladder, this growing segment poses a new set of issues for strata managers to consider.
Car parking and car safety issues are probably one of the biggest concerns flagged to strata and body corporate managers, regardless of the profile of the resident. One of the most important questions, most potential residents will have is whether they have dedicated parking, is it secure and how likely is it that their car will get damaged in the car park.
For residents with children, this becomes a slightly bigger question. How many car parking spaces will they have the use of, as many families have multiple vehicles? And what measures are in place to protect kids from speeding vehicles and minimise the risks of accidents?
Another key consideration for families with children living in apartments or residential complexes is personal safety both in communal areas and in the property. As apartment complexes are often closer to the city, the perceived risk of crime may be higher and parents will be keen to know that positive measures have been taken to increase personal safety.
This can include ensuring adequate lighting, including emergency lighting, to ensure that residents feel safe and also to reduce the risks of accidents such as trips and falls in communal areas such as hallways and car parks.
With more children in confined areas the risks of accidents occurring can increase. Families looking at strata residences will be looking at what measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries both inside the property and in the communal areas like the car parks.
From window safety devices, which prevent windows opening too wide and are now a legal requirement for residential strata premises in New South Wales, to the height of balcony railings, child safety considerations are paramount for families looking at strata living.
We’ve all heard the horrendous stories on the news of children being accidentally run over as cars reverse out of spaces. Or running out into the pathway of cars without looking. Unfortunately, with more cars in close proximity the risks of these accidents occurring potentially increases.
If you are a property manager, strata manager or a member of a body corporate management team and you have families living in your property or want to attract more families to your strata complex, it’s well worth implementing some quick, easy, cost-effective measures to improve safety for families with younger children.
Speed humps and rumble bars installed in car parks not only help in lowering the speed of vehicles but can help prevent damage to cars too. Well positioned rumble bars can alert drivers if they are too close to a wall and they can also be used to prevent accidental rolling of vehicles or anything on wheels such as large rubbish bins.
Wheel stops can also be used to prevent cars from parking too close to pedestrian access areas and to prevent cars from accidentally rolling if a handbrake is left off for example.
At Speed Humps Australia, we have worked with numerous strata managers to help improve the safety of their car parks. If you would like to find out just how easy and cost effective it is to install these devices at your property, give us a call now on 1300 138 568 or fill in your details on the enquiry form below and we will be in touch to discuss your requirements.
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For 10 years, our focus has been on one thing: to provide one style of product and to do it well.
Our wheel stops, speed humps and rumble bars meet Australian Standards, don’t fade, and we’ve never needed to replace one.
For 10 years, our focus has been on one thing: to provide one style of product and to do it well.
Our wheel stops, speed humps and rumble bars meet Australian Standards, don’t fade, and we’ve never needed to replace one.
