Whatshould Welook for?


Awrittenquotationdetailing theexact level of serviceand pricegoeswithoutsaying butyoushould alsoexpect to receive(innoparticular order ofimportance)


Risk Assessment This could be a generic risk assessment or one that has beentailoredtoyourparticular property / requirements.


Method Statement This is sometimes referred to asa“safe systemofwork”and isadocumentthatdetails thewayawork task or process is to be completed.


Growing your ownisagreat waytoinvolve children in outdoor activity


theirownfruitand vegetables.Thisisgreat forpromoting asense of ownershipofthe outsidespaceamongresidents butrequires somethoughtintermsof location of thefruit trees and/or vegetable plot and does need buy- in fromat leastasmall groupofcommitted flatowners. However, thereisahugeamount of satisfaction to be gained fromgrowing produce that can be enjoyed by everyone: the problemofwhattodowithaglut of fruitor vegetables that is facedbymanygardeners is easily dealt withwhen you have plenty of neighbours to sharethemwith. Growing your ownisalsoagreat waytoinvolve children in outdoor activity and can bring the community together to enjoytheir outsidespace in afun, healthyand productive way-something which is often lacking in larger developments.


Choosing theright contractor Thekey to keeping up appearances is


simple: regularmaintenance and on-going improvements areneeded.Thesemay encompasslawns,car parkingareas and flowerbeds. andcan be effectively achieved by engaging theservices of agood quality contractor. There are a vast number of companies out


theretochoosefrom rangingfrom thosethat canprovide a‘one-stop-shop’ servicewith everything provided in-house downto the smallsoletraderwho canprovideaminimum levelofservice andmay have to sub-contract outsomespecialist tasks, forexample tree felling and fence replacement. Each site is different andwhich company


youchoosedepends upon your unique requirements andaservice that canbe tailored to suit your budget.Itisoften farmore cost effective to specify a reasonable number


Flat Living Summer 2012


of visits/workrequirementsratherthan asking for a quote based on the bare minimum andthenbeforcedtoadd services in order to maintainstandards.


As abasic levelofservice,agrounds contractor should undertake: nShrub bedmaintenance nAnnual planting


nLawnmaintenance:mowing,weed andfeed


treatments nShrub and ornamental tree care nLeaf clearance nLitter control nSnow and ice removal


The million dollar question – howmuch will it cost? It would


be impossible to give anyballparkfiguresfor groundsmaintenanceaseachsitewillhave itsownunique requirements.However,asa generalruleofthumb,RMCsshouldexpecta fixed pricequotation basedon12months basic service. For someservices it wouldn’t always be possible forthe contractor to give afixedprice butunder thesecircumstances a recommended price should be given.


Contingency fund Therewillalways be somethingthatcrops up that wasn’t


includedwithinyourinitial quotation. For example that belovedoak tree suddenly gettingdiseasedand needingtobefelled. When setting out yourmonthly ground services fees to residents, don’tforgettoallow sufficient funds to cover the unexpected.


maintenancecontractor Hopefully by selecting the right contractor, daytodaymanagement should notbe


Managing the grounds


Environmental policy Thepolicyshould addresshowthecompany will minimise the impact of itsactivities on theenvironment andshouldaddress–asaminimum– waste disposal and use ofchemicals.


Health and Safety policy Ifacompany employs fiveormorepeopletheymusthave awrittenhealth and safety policy statement andarecordoftheir health andsafety arrangements.


Terms and Conditions This addresses the supplier’s andcustomer’sobligations.


Other documents/ statementsmayinclude: asummary of their past experience;team structureand skills; howtheywilldeliver on the service and timescales; andhow they willmanage the project.


Each site will have its ownrequirements


required.However,itwould be prudent to regularlyinspectthe communal areasto ensure theright levelofservice is being provided.Most contactors wouldrecommend at leastquarterlymeetings or correspondence to discusstheir progress andmediumterm planning for upcoming work.●


GraemeMannis thecommercialdirectorofBGSwith specialisedcommercialgroundsmaintenanceteams covering the South East and the Midlands areas. Tel 01252 416 373 Email info@bsgcommercial.com


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