Finishes and Fitting Schedule

The “Finishes and Fittings Schedule” for all apartments and town houses are as follows:

Appliances

Manufacturers Instructions and Operations Manual are included in your Owner’s Pack and should be your point of reference for operating instructions, care and further information regarding model numbers of your appliances.  The manuals should be read prior to operation on the appliances.

The following links provide instructions for original appliances and should be use as a guide only:

In the event an appliance malfunctions:

  1. Check power at the switchboard,
  2. Follow relevant instructions in the Operation Manual, or
  3. Check the Warranty and call the Manufacturer’s Service Centre.

Pest Eradication

An inspection of your apartment by an appropriate pest eradication contractor is recommended every 12 months or as required.

Paint Internal

For paint specifications, including colour please refer to Finishes and Fitting Schedule.  As paint colour may change subtly over time and paint manufacturers may alter colour specifications, we recommend any future colour matching be based on a paint sample.

Most marks can be removed with clean damp cloth.  Use a diluted sugar soap mix if necessary.  Avoid excessive ‘scrubbing’ and the use of scourers of any type, as this  may alter the finish of the surface.

Carpet

The carpet laid throughout your apartment is wool and has been selected to provide a soft, maintainable, yet durable finish.

Regular maintenance will increase the life span of all types of carpet.  The four basic steps of an adequate maintenance program are:

  • protection from damage and prevention of spills
  • regular vacuuming
  • periodic wet cleaning
  • removal of stains and spills

Owing to the fact that your carpet is wool, should staining occur the preferred method of stain removal is spot cleaning.  Please contact a professional carpet cleaner for general cleaning advice.

Please note that the manufacturers do not recommend ‘scotch guarding’ carpet.

Lighting

To prevent damage to the light fittings, replacement globes for light fittings in your apartment should not exceed the following specifications:

  • Batten fittings: incandescent lamp, 60W max
  • All other lights: low voltage halogen lamp, 12V 50W max

Before changing a globe, please ensure that you have turned off the power switch.  Light fittings in double story voids and external lights must be replaced by a qualified trades person.

Door and Window Hardware

We recommend that you check all door locks and handles every 6-12 months and lubricate ‘sticky’ locks with dry graphite powder sprinkled on the key.  Hardware should be clean from all dust and grit at all times to maintain a high level of function.

Oil and grease should not be applied to any hardware.

Aluminium Door and Window Frames

Your aluminium doors and windows have a powder coat finish, which needs to be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure the decorative and protective properties of the coating are retained.

Do not use abrasive cleaners; scouring pads and other harsh materials such as powder based cleaning products as these may scratch the finish.

It is recommended you test a small discrete surface to confirm the suitability of the cleaning agent used.  This will ensure minimal or no damage to the powder coat colour or surface.

It is important that the powder coating be cleaned every three to six months to remove airborne deposits such as salt, atmospheric pollution and dirt.

The cleaning procedures are as follows:

  • remove dust with wet sponge,
  • most marks can be removed by the use of a warm water and a mild detergent,
  • wash and remove powder deposits from the powder coating surface using a soft bristle brush,
  • always rinse afterwards with fresh water so that the contact time of cleaning solution is kept to a minimum.

This will ensure minimal or no damage to the powder coat colour or surface.

Window furnishings are not recommended to be mounted on any part of the aluminium door or window frame.

Balustrades

The glass requires routine, periodic cleaning to prevent the build up of potentially harmful contaminates – cleaning is recommended every 3 months.  Glass should be cleaned with a soft, lint free cloth or chamois, warm water and a mild detergent or slightly acidic (vinegar) cleaning solution followed immediately with clean water.  Excess water should be removed from the glass surfaces with a squeegee.

Do not use alkaline materials as this may harm the glass surface and in concentrate forms etching may occur.

Do not attempt to clean the outside surfaces of glass balustrades yourself.  Engage a qualified window cleaner to undertake periodical cleaning of balustrades or contact your building manager for further information.

Handrails and posts are made from powder coat finished aluminium sections.  It is important that the powder coating should be cleaned every three months to remove air born deposits such as salt, atmospheric pollution and dirt.

The cleaning procedures are as follows:

  • remove dust with wet sponge,
  • most marks can be removed by the use of a warm water and a mild detergent,
  • wash and remove powder deposits from the powder coating surface using a soft bristle brush,
  • always rinse afterwards with fresh water so that the contact time of cleaning solution is kept to a minimum.

Windows, Shower Screens, Splash Backs & Vanity Mirrors

Your windows, shower screens, splash backs and vanity mirrors require routine, periodic cleaning.  They should be cleaned with a soft, lint free cloth or chamois, warm water and a mild detergent or slightly acidic (vinegar) cleaning solution followed immediately with clean water.

To avoid scratching, do not use caustic or abrasive substances such as polish, silicon based cleaners, powder-based cleaning agents and other harsh materials and do not use cleaning items such as steel wool, scouring pads or razor blades.  If using a solvent cleaner, care should be taken to avoid contact with the glazing sealant and any other materials, which may be affected by the solvent.  Avoid using a broom and hose to clean windows as this can result in scratched glass and leaking.

Please not that the external face of the windows should be cleaned by a professional cleaner or contact your building manager for further information.

Damaged glass and mirrors cannot be repaired.  They must be replaced by and experienced glazier.

Stone – Kitchen & Vanity Bench Tops, Stair Treads

The stone featured in your apartment has been selected for its unique beauty, warm character, durability and high quality.

This re-constituted product is porous and requires the following care to ensure the stone’s beauty and appearance is maintained.

  • Regular cleaning is important to guard against the build up of potentially damaging influences.
  • Clean your bench tops with a soft cloth and warm water.  A mild detergent may be added to the water if required.  Always rinse afterwards with fresh water if a detergent is used and dry with a soft cloth.
  • Use a chopping board, place mats and coasters to protect the surface from scratching, dulling or heat marks.
  • It is advisable to reserve cleaning cloths exclusively for use on your stone finishes as residue from other cleaning products can work against your best efforts.
  • Avoid sitting or standing on the kitchen and vanity bench tops.
  • Wipe up spills immediately, to avoid potential absorption of substances into the stone.
  • Pay particular attention to substances such as soap, detergents, abrasive or harsh chemicals or cleaners, solvents, toothpaste, tea, coffee, alcohol, vinegar and citrus juices as these may stain, etch or dull the stone.  Lipstick, industrial and laundry marker are unlikely to be removable.  To prevent rust markings, avoid resting metal items on the stone.
  • Do not use acids, wax, sealers, steam cleaners or petroleum products on stone.

Marble Bathroom Vanities & Floors

It is important at any time to clean up spills as soon as they are detected, the longer they are left unattended the greater the risk of a mark occurring.

Regular cleaning is important to guard against the build up of potentially damaging influences.  It is advisable to reserve cleaning cloths and mops exclusively for use on your marble finishes.

Cleaning should be undertaken with a mild detergent and warm water, dry with a soft white cloth.

It is recommended that you use clean white (or colourless) cloths for bathroom vanities and cotton mops for cleaning the floor.  Synthetic sponges may be utilised but they tend to leave streaks on a highly polished surface.  Always discard cleaning cloths when they become soiled.

Should you elect to vacuum your floor please take extra care to avoid metal components of the suction head coming into contact with the floor.  These have potential to scratch marble tile surfaces.  It is also advisable to fit felt or rubber under chairs or heavy furniture.

Cupboard Joinery – “Timber Veneer” (where applicable)

 All timber veneer surfaces are finished with a polyurethane sealer and top coat.

To clean and maintain:

  • Remove solid surfaces or light stains with soapy water and soft cloth or a non-abrasive spray&wipe cleaning agent.
  • Do not use abrasive or alkaline cleaners and ensure that the finish does not remain in contact with hypochlorite bleach, mineral acid, dye or iodine solutions, silicon based cleaners, polish, steel wool, acidic and alkaline materials.  (Note that silicon cleaners render surfaces unsuitable for re-coating).
  • Ensure all spills are cleaned up immediately with a damp cloth and dry off to prevent swelling or damage.
  • Buff out minor fine scratches (but note the gloss level will diminish).
  • Check tighten and adjust hinges every 6 months.
  • Do not apply oil or grease to any joinery hardware, such as hinges, runners etc.

Painted – “Coloured Polyurethane Finish” (where applicable)

To clean and maintain:

  • Clean up any spills as quickly as possible and rinse well with clean water.
  • Remove soiled surfaces or light stains with mild detergent such as dish washing liquid and damp sponge, or a non-abrasive spray and wipe cleaning agent such as windex or jiff micro liquid.
  • Over use of chemical cleaners or failure to rinse remaining residue will eventually cause an unsightly build up on the finish.
  • Do not use scourers or abrasive or alkaline cleaners.
  • Do not rub with an excessive force to remove stains as this may produce a gloss patch on the rubbed area.
  • Do not use scourers, or abrasive or alkaline cleaners.
  • Check, tighten and adjust hinges every 6 months.
  • Do not apply oil or grease to any joinery hardware, such as hinges runners etc.

Laminate (where applicable)

To clean and maintain:

  • Clean up any spills as quickly as possible, particularly on horizontal surfaces.
  • Remove soiled surfaces or light stains with mild detergent such as dish washing liquid and soft cloth, or a non-abrasive spray and wipe cleaning agent.
  • Do not rub with an excessive force to remove stains as this may produce a gloss patch on the rubbed area.
  • Do not use scourers, or abrasive or alkaline cleaners.
  • Check, tighten and adjust hinges every 6 months.
  • Do not apply oil or grease to any joinery hardware, such as hinges runners etc.

Tiled Floors & Walls – Glazed, Ceramic or Vitrified

To clean, use a mix of warm water with a biodegradable detergent and a cup of methylated spirits.  When dry, buff with a dry mop or woollen cloth.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink, Laundry Tub, Trims etc

Certain products may stain your sink.  Wash down the stainless steel sink with fresh water after cleaning with a chemical cleaner or coming in contact with food acid.  Do not clean with steel wool or an abrasive cleaner.  To brighten, use a non-abrasive cleaner or specialist stainless steel product.

Sanitary Ware – Acrylics, Porcelains & Vitreous China

To preserve the polish surface of your bath, basins & toilets, clean with a soft cloth and warm water and a mild detergent or a liquid cleaner to wash away any body oils or soap residue.  Ensure any selected cleaning agent does not affect and adjacent stone or tile.

Do not use powders, pastes, creme cleaners, thinners, window cleaning sprays or dry cleaning fluids etc.

As the use of coloured essential oils may stain your bath’s polished surface, test before use and add oils into a bath full of water rather than pouring them into an empty bath.

To prevent corrosion of metal accessories by mineral salt such as Radox, ensure they are dissolved completely prior to adding them to bathwater.

Tap Ware

To prevent damage to the protective finish, avoid cleaning taps and spouts with harsh chemicals.  Clean with warm water and mild detergent, rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

To maintain tap ware:

  • Clean tap filters every two months,
  • Check tap-washers every two years and replace as necessary,
  • A licensed plumber is required to replace the ceramic washer in lever mixer tapes.

Remember to turn off the water supply to your apartment prior to carrying out maintenance or in the event of a tap or fitting breaking.

The exhaust grill located in your bathroom and laundry will assist removal of steam and humid conditions prolonging the life of the interior finishes.

The removable grill should be cleaned every 4 months with a soapy cloth and dried prior to refitting.

Please take care when removing the grill and note the method of removal to assist refitting once cleaning is complete.

All apartments have a range hood fitted over the kitchen hotplates.  Depending on usage we recommend that you clean the grease filter from the range hood monthly in warm soapy water, rinse off with clean water and allow drying before refitting.

To ensure adequate airflow into laundry exhaust, leave the laundry door open while the dryer is in use.

Laundry Floor Waste

To ensure the water seal in the laundry floor waste does not dry out and let odours escape, each fortnight approximately 600 ml of water is required to be poured into the laundry floor waste.

 

Balconies

To ensure good drainage and prevent a build up of dirt or dampness around outdoor pot plants, all pots should be raised slightly off the tile surface.  Very large, heavy pots should also be avoided, to prevent excessive loads on the building structure.

To ensure your balcony floor drain is kept free of debris, it is recommended that you keep your balcony clean and pour a bucket of water down the floor waste every six months.

Louvre Shutters/Privacy Screens

Some apartments have been fitted with aluminium sliding louvres/privacy screens.  The louvres are operated manually by sliding to the desired position or open or close the blades to achieve the desired privacy level.

Refer to By-Law 34 in Rules & By-Laws for further details regarding your responsibilities.

Safety Cleaning & Maintenance Protocol

Do not attempt to clean the outside surfaces of aluminium sliding louvres/privacy screen yourself.  Engage a qualified cleaner to undertake periodical cleaning of aluminium sliding louvres/privacy screens or contact your building manager for further information or assistance.  We recommend cleaning every 3 months.

Please assist the Strata Manager in its role by reporting any common property cleaning or maintenance needs.

As the owner of an apartment, you are responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of your apartment and all areas within your lot, including your balcony, courtyard, terrace, car-bay and storage room, if relevant.

Where appropriate, the use of professional cleaners and license tradespeople with necessary safety equipment is recommended.

For your safety and that of other residents:

  • Consult the by-laws prior to undertaking maintenance and cleaning works.
  • Untrained or unlicensed person should not attempt to service or alter electrical, communications, gas, water or plumbing fixtures or services.
  • Children must always be supervised (particularly on balconies or external areas).
  • Do not stand on a chair to clean, service or repair any item.  Use and approved purpose ladder.
  • Do not stand on a raised platform, chair or ladder of any height on balconies or adjacent to windows or stairwells.
  • Do not lean out of windows or over balconies to clean, service or repair any item.
  • Any activity that requires external work, or the use of ladders, must be carried out in accordance with all relevant legislation, codes and guidelines.

Please note that the horizontal pergolas adjacent to balconies are not trafficable and should not be accessed.