Housing Maintenance, Repairs & Improvements Flashcards
What were the exact conditions of the timber windows and doors at the Aylesbury property?
They were in a poor condition
Showed significant signs of wear + tear, including rot
How did you gather the quotes for repairing, redecorating and replacing the units for the Aylesbury property?
Looked through list of approved contractors + selected 2 contractors within 10 mile radius
Created specification of works for send for both options - repairing/redecorating + replacing units with UPVC
Sent specifications to contractors + checked to see if costs were legitimate using online sources
In your report, how did you communicate the long-term benefits of choosing the more expensive uPVC option over repairing and redecorating?
Focused on enhanced insulation, energy efficiency, durability + low maintenance requirements of UPVC units
Emphasised that these benefits could result in savings for my client over time
What other elements, besides cost, did you consider when recommending uPVC replacement units?
Considered factors, e.g. improved insulation, increased property value, energy efficiency + potential for higher rents
What potential benefits did you identify for the use of uPVC units in relation to the property’s EPC E-rating?
Identified that UPVC units could improve E rating
High level of insulation would contribute to reduced energy consumption + lead to improved rating
How might the installation of uPVC windows and doors impact future maintenance issues?
Likely to reduce future maintenance issues
Unlike timber, UPVC doesn’t rot or require regular painting, which can result in lower maintenance costs over the long term
When you identified a potential for higher rent following the improvements, how did you explain this to your client?
Explained that improvements would not only increase property’s value but could also attract a higher rental income due to improved energy efficiency
Which primary and secondary data sources did you use to support your recommendation?
Primary - quotes, inspection, consultation with tenants
Secondary - online research, comparison of window + door prices
Did you involve or consult with the tenants during this decision-making process? If so, how?
Spoke with tenants to understand past experiences with heating
Were grateful that windows were to be replaced
Did the client have any initial objections to your recommendations given their objective to minimise costs, and how did you manage those objections?
They did push back initially due to high upfront cost
Managed their objections by explaining long-term benefits that UPVC windows would provide in terms of improved energy efficiency + lower maintenance costs
Talk me through your advice regarding the windows at the property in Aylesbury
Recommended windows to be replaced with UPVC units
Recommended more cost-effective contractor
How did you present your advice?
Called client to beforehand + presented detailed recommendation in a report format
Why was this good advice?
Encouraged client to consider MEES. Although EPC acceptable, could be at risk if regs change
Could increase property’s value when come to sell it
Considered tenant - would reduce energy bills, helping to foster positive landlord tenant relationship
Did you check any planning conditions prior to offering this advice?
Yes - the building was not listed
To improve the rating of the EPC would you have to replace all the windows or just the worse ones?
Replacing the worse ones would help improve energy efficiency rating, especially single glazed windows
Who can install windows?
Professional window contractors
How long would the guarantee last?
Depends on the manufacturer but roughly 10-20 years
How do you identify your clients Objectives? How often would you recommend that these are reviewed?
Normally it would be through ToE
Would also set up a meeting with client before commencing work
Communicate regularly with client + review as often as is necessary (wouldn’t specify fixed time period as would depend on individual circumstances)
What factors did you consider while reviewing the scope of work for prioritising properties?
Whether property was let or vacant
State of repair
Safety or immediate concerns
Whether AMs or building surveyors were doing works to property + whether works could be grouped together to save on costs
Location - properties in the same location could be grouped to save on costs
How did you manage the constraint of a limited budget for the financial year?
Prioritised properties + works based on importance + urgency
Ensured essential repairs were done first
Obtained options for different work to ensure most cost-effective solution
Why did your client have a budget for works?
Money is public money - need strict measures in place to not overspend on unnecessary works
What was your client’s response to the prioritisation schedule you developed?
Found it a helpful tool in understanding tasks + properties which should be prioritised
How did you assess + accommodate budget constraints while managing the works?
Kept excel spreadsheet + kept track of quotes, costs + timescales to ensure we stayed within budget
What strategies did you apply to address the issue of weather constraints impacting the external decoration works?
Ensured works were undertaken in appropriate weather conditions
Communicated efficiently with contractors to ensure returned quotes in timely manner
Worked closely with client - responded to any issues quickly + maintained regular communication to ensure works were approved in timely manner