In month one Navana Residential made various communication channels available to residents and provided a designated property manager to visit the property on a weekly basis ensuring our approved suppliers were upholding their contractual obligations to keep the building serviced, compliant and safe.

In month three after undergoing the necessary section 20 consultation procedure and after agreement form the residents we began refurbishment of the lobby areas and external facades which had seen neglect for the past seven years by the previous agents. The residents now receive quarterly financial reporting providing full transparent detail on actual expenditure versus budget, reserve fund expenditure, arrears report, health and safety report and any other relevant managerial updates.

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.

As managing agent, Jennings and Barrett was instructed by the Residents Association to manage the work. They quickly got the process underway to inform leaseholders of the proposals, raise funds, and invite tenders for the work. Using their in-house RICS surveyor, John Shine, a specification for the works was soon drawn up.

To minimise disruption to residents and to make funding easier on lessees, one block was completed per year, with a period of six weeks required per block. Within three years, the whole estate had a revamped look and all residents felt the revitalising effects in their day-to-day life