Strata & body corporate cleaning programs: what facility managers should ask for

Carpark slabs, entry stone, pool surrounds and common walkways take constant traffic and reflect directly on a building. For facility and strata managers, the difference between a tidy asset and an ongoing headache usually comes down to having a program rather than reactive one-off cleans.

Why shared surfaces need a program

One-off cleans look good for a fortnight and then drift back. A planned cycle — clean, seal, and scheduled maintenance — protects the surface, keeps presentation consistent, and spreads cost predictably across the year instead of arriving as a surprise restoration bill.

What to ask a contractor

• Insurance & documentation — current public liability, and SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements) for the site.
• Slip compliance — can they provide slip-resistance documentation where it matters (entries, ramps, pool surrounds, wet areas)?
• Out-of-hours work — can they work nights or weekends to avoid disrupting residents, tenants or trade?
• Runoff & slurry capture — how do they control and capture wash water? This matters for compliance and for keeping it off gardens and drains.
• Multi-site coordination — for portfolios, can they run a consistent program across several buildings?

The surfaces that usually need attention

• Carpark and basement concrete — oil, tyre marks, dusting.
• Entry and lobby stone — sandstone, granite and marble that set the building's first impression.
• Pool surrounds — salt-exposed travertine and stone.
• Common walkways, paths and courtyards.

Building a schedule that protects the asset and the budget

A sensible program maps each surface to a clean-and-reseal cycle based on its material and traffic, then layers in lighter scheduled maintenance between. The aim is to never let a surface fall so far behind that it needs full restoration — which is where the real costs hide.

Documentation you should expect

For commercial and strata work, expect itemised scopes, before/after records, compliance paperwork, and a clear maintenance calendar you can take to a committee or owner. If you'd like, we can put together a tailored program for your building or portfolio.