Internal roads and parking are often among the most expensive shared assets a complex or estate owns. Yet many bodies corporate only deal with them when something breaks. A simple maintenance plan saves money, avoids emergency spending and keeps residents safe.
Step 1: Survey what you have
Start with a condition survey of all roads, parking areas and walkways. It should record:
- Cracks: type, length and location.
- Potholes and failed areas.
- Low spots and drainage problems.
- Condition of markings and speed humps.
- General age and condition of the surface.
We can do this survey and give you a marked-up plan with priced, prioritised work.
Step 2: Prioritise
Split the work into three groups:
- Urgent: safety hazards, deep potholes, trip hazards on walkways, and drainage problems that are damaging the base.
- Preventive: crack sealing and small repairs that stop damage spreading.
- Planned: larger surface treatments, such as a slurry seal or resurfacing, scheduled over the next few years.
Step 3: Budget over several years
Instead of one large special levy, plan a rolling programme:
- Every year: inspect before winter and do crack sealing and pothole repairs.
- Every several years: apply a slurry seal to roads that are sound but ageing, section by section.
- When needed: resurface roads where the base is sound but the surface is worn out.
- As needed: re-paint line marking and refresh speed humps.
Step 4: Communicate with residents
Roadworks in a complex affect everyone’s access. Good practice is to:
- Give residents written notice with dates and times.
- Phase work so there is always a way in and out.
- Keep a route open for emergency vehicles.
- Tell residents when they can drive on new surfaces.
Step 5: Keep records
Keep the survey, quotes, invoices and photos of work done. This helps future trustees, supports insurance claims and makes the next survey quicker.
How we help
We work with trustees, HOAs and managing agents across the Western Cape. Ask us for a free condition survey and a phased quote before your next AGM or budget meeting.