Common Areas
Common areas refer to outdoor and indoor open spaces, staircases (including elevators), landscaping and swimming pools. A common area is a shared space that is available for communal use by all tenants and their visitors, as in the case of condominium developments, as well as for public use in mixed-use commercial development cases. Common areas are set aside for interaction and bonding through recreation, and should be made safe and accessible, and kept well-maintained at all times. The design, construction and maintenance of common areas must adhere to relevant legislation and regulations, including those that relate to the care of diverse peoples. This chapter provides guidelines that address each common area defect to prevent them from occurring during the post-occupancy stage. Proper design and material selection, quality workmanship and routine inspections will aid in maintaining a safe, convenient and sound common area.
One issue that is of major concern to all common areas is slip and fall, especially when wet.
Slip and Fall – Risk for Pedestrians