If you are well-organised and have some knowledge of how your building is put together, you may be fine in managing smaller repairs yourself. However, for larger or more complex repairs, getting professional help is recommended and likely to save you money in the long run.
These are the steps to follow to get the best deal in repairs and make sure all owners pay their share. Use the articles linked below to navigate the process and ensure you’re following proper procedures.
If you are struggling to get owner agreement, see this article.
For information on protecting your position when owners sell, see this article.
When it comes to gathering the money for repairs in advance, it can be useful to have a Maintenance Account.
Download our decisions-tree guide that can be used alongside the articles below to help you navigate the common repairs process.
Sometimes, the need for repair is obvious, such as when you have a damp patch. However, planned repairs can save you money - a stitch in time saves nine. Even…
You need formal agreement from your co-owners at specific points in commissioning a repair. But, it is also good practice to keep everyone posted of progress throughout the repair process.…
You need to get together a long list of potential tradespeople and then check out the firms to reach your shortlist. Ask your shortlisted trade firms to give you a…
If you need an educated guess about what a repair will cost, ask for an estimate. If you want a considered, fixed price, ask for a quote. Putting together a…
You need to have a written agreement with any trade firm before you finally accept a quote and work starts on the ground. For smaller jobs, under £1,000 or so,…
There is a lot that can be done to make it easier to cope with work on-site and get the best from your chosen firm. If you have employed an…
Check your contract with the builder to see what scope you have for complaints. Use their complaints procedure first, and then escalate to their trade association complaints procedure (if they…
You have a legal responsibility to consider health and safety matters on every building contract. If you employ a professional to manage building work, they will take over all these…
Trade associations will register members and make, at the least, paper checks to ensure that the member is legitimate, solvent, and has appropriate qualifications. They all have an online service…
Your tenement may have a basement, sometimes used for living accommodation or sometimes used for storage, cellars or wash-houses. These buildings will often also have a 'dunny' between the basement…
Adding insulation and draught-proofing can save money and the planet but in…
Recent research suggests that traditional solid stone or brick walls provide better…
Flat roofs can be found on buildings of all ages. They can…
On stone tenements, asphalt roofs are found on: 'high backs' - raised backcourt…
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