As managing agents, Red Rock was instructed by the residents Management Company to manage the block and assist with the catalouge of building defects left by the developer.

Initially, the leaseholders felt compelled to remedy the defects via a build warranty insurance claim for each block; but the insurance policy had a £1,250 excess per unit and, with not enough money held in reserve, this needed to be paid by every leaseholder before works could commence.

Working with the resident directors, Red Rock mounted a campaign locally, involving Sir Bob Russell, the Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester. The upshot is that Weston Homes have now listened to their customers and agreed to completely remedy the defects, working closely with Red Rock to ensure that expectations are met.

Leaseholders have been spared a bill for the excess of £187,200.

Review of Finances - The first stage was to review the last set of accounts and the current service charge budget to understand the level of reserve fund and service charge arrangements.
Following discussions with contractors to obtain a budget price for the required works, a new budget was produced incorporating the required funds to undertake the major works.
In addition, we also produced a 10 year forecast to enable us to smooth service charge collection and ensure funding for future works would not be an issue.

Section 20 Consultation - In accordance with Section 20 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 (as amended), consultation notices were issued to all leaseholders.
The first stage notice informs the leaseholders of the intention to carry out works and allows them the opportunity to review the specification and nominate a contractor they believe would be suitable to provide a quotation for the works. Once all tenders were returned, and the 30 day consultation period had expired, a second notice is issued to all leaseholders detailing the estimates received from each contractor and any professional fees for management of the works.
This notice allows 30 days for leaseholders to make any written observations regarding the quotations. Following expiry of the 30 days, as the cheapest contractor was being appointed, an order was placed with the contractor.

Project Management - A specification / scope of works was produced in partnership with Akzo Nobel for issue to contractors to tender.
A 30 day competitive tender process was run and a formal tender report issued to the client with a recommendation of the contractor who should be selected. Before works commenced, risk assessments and method statements provided by the chosen contractor were reviewed along with their insurance and references.
During the works, regular visits were made to site and a final inspection to sign off the works took place before invoices were paid.

We are managing the development on behalf of the Landlord and also collect the ground rent.