We take a closer look a maintenance, repairs & cleaning

We would like to share practical advice on preparing your buildings for autumn and winter, alongside insights into lift maintenance and managing out-of-hours repairs.

Flood-Ready Flats: Preparing Your Building for Heavy Rain and Rising Water

The Environment Agency’s latest National Flood Risk Assessment indicates that around 6.3 million properties in England are in areas at risk from rivers, the sea, surface water or a combination of these sources. Around 4.6 million are in areas at risk from surface water flooding, a growing issue in built up areas.

Know Your Building’s Risk

The government’s flood information services can help residents and directors understand local risks. The Environment Agency also offers flood warnings for areas at risk from main rivers and the sea.

For a block, Directors should also look closer to home:

• Are basement drains regularly maintained?
• Could water flow down a ramp into an underground car park?
• Are gutters and gullies clear?
• Are plant rooms or electrical installations located below ground level?
• Has the development flooded previously?

Past incidents can provide valuable information about weaknesses that should be addressed before the next period of extreme weather.

Small Repairs: Why everyday maintenance matters in leasehold buildings

Major works often get the most attention, but the long-term condition of a residential building is usually shaped by the smaller fixes. Good maintenance is about recognising issues early, before they become bigger issues further down the line.

Repair it while it is still a repair

Water ingress is probably one of the clearest examples. A relatively small failure to a roof covering, flashing, seal or junction can often be dealt with simply when dealt with early. Leave it unresolved and water starts travelling.

Internal finishes become damaged. Timber or insulation can be affected. Adjoining areas may require investigation and suddenly the cost and disruption are completely disproportionate to the original defect.

Spend money at the right time

There is an understandable temptation to focus purely on keeping today’s expenditure down. Sometimes that is absolutely the right decision. But the cheapest repair today is not always the cheapest solution over five years.

Major works should not arrive as a surprise

This is where everyday maintenance connects directly with long-term planning and reserve funds.

At Scargill Mann & Co, we remove the burden and responsibilities very often left to those few volunteers, who stand as directors on behalf of all the other owners within the apartments and residential development, cul-de-sac.

We have a wealth of experience and knowledge to assist the directors in making sure they are compliant and financially secure.

Book a No- obligation call with us to discuss what we can offer.