Finally, it is a good idea to get to know the people who “run” the building as quickly as possible. Our suggestion is that you do the following:

• Locate and meet the executive committee: One of the first things a new owner should do is to find a member of the executive committee and introduce yourself. Make yourself known and volunteer to help if at all possible. If you have skills such as trade skills or secretarial skills or access to a photocopier then this is all valuable. Strata Renovations is frequently horrified to hear of strata buildings that never have executive committee meetings, they should be compulsory. Ask to attend the next meeting as an observer. Volunteer to be on the committee at the AGM.
• Contact the strata manager: The strata manager is a key figure for any strata building. It is a good idea to give him a call and introduce yourself. He gets paid a substantial amount of money to look after the building and a five minute phone call is a good investment of your time.
• Make friends: Strata living means that you will be living in close proximity to other people, many of whom you might not normally mix with or talk to. The closeness and proximity to other people is often a real surprise and it is not uncommon for life-long friends to be created or real disputes to arise in the first few days after moving in. Try hard to stay friends with your neighbours.
• Do the right thing: Finally, new owners often have great ideas of renovating their apartment. If this is your intention or plan, let everyone know up-front that you intend to do the right thing and follow the correct process. Ask the strata manager what the right process is. Tell them that you have read this site and they will usually be delighted that you have taken the time to understand the right way and the wrong way.