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Flat-Living.co.uk Repairs and maintenance
our property is
Y
MAin sTruCTurAL eLeMenTs
probably your most
valuable asset, and as
It is always important to consider the terms of your buildings leases
a Resident Manage-
when planning the repair and maintenance of your block. For most
ment Company (RMC)
flats the obligation to carry out repairs is split between individual
Director you have responsibility for
leaseholders and the Resident Management Company. Generally the
your own property and for those of
Resident Management Company will have the responsibility for the
your neighbours. Buildings can be
exterior of the building, the main structural elements; such as roofs,
expensive to maintain, particularly
floors, walls and so forth and the common parts that are shared by
when things go wrong, so a well-
the lessees such as stairwells, landings, car park areas and gardens.
planned approach to the regular
The interior of the flats and their services (such as electricity, gas and
maintenance and repair of a
water) are the responsibility of each individual leaseholder. Windows
property is essential to avoid large,
and doors are often also the leaseholders responsibility to repair,
unexpected repair bills.
although not normally to redecorate. However leases can be drafted in
A well-maintained property also
different ways and it is essential to check with the leases so the right
helps boosts property values and
person can make plans for the repairs they are legally responsible for.
creates a pleasant environment to live in. In the course of our business
as Chartered Building Surveyors we often find ourselves dealing
The righT ConTrACTor
with major problems that have arisen because simple (and often
It is important to choose the right contractor to carry out repair
inexpensive) repairs have not been carried out in good time.
work. Sometimes a general contractor (a builder with the ability
Maintenance is simply dealing with repairs in a planned way.
to carry out different types of work or pull-in different specialists)
Carrying out small, regular checks and repairs so defects are spotted
is the best choice where there is a mixture of different work
quickly and remedied before they become expensive problems.
required. Sometimes where the work is limited to one or particular
Regular maintenance can prolong the life of building components
trades, a specialist contractor would be a better choice. When
so they last longer, and work better.
choosing a contractor ask your self the following questions:
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