Major Works
Major Works are the regular building maintenance projects that need to be carried out on a block or building. For example, expected projects such as painting the exterior or communal areas, or one-off projects such as replacing the roof or installing a new security system.
These major works are planned well in advance and where the cost to each leaseholder is likely to be over £250.00 there is a three-stage process, known as Section 20, that must be followed by the Freeholder or RTM Company before any work can begin.
The three steps of a Section 20 consultation start with:
Stage 1: The Notice of Intention. A notice is served on all leaseholders setting out what work is proposed and why it needs to be done. It will ask leaseholders for their comments and if they wish to nominate a suitable contractor.
At least two estimates will then be obtained from suitable and qualified contractors, including any put forward by the leaseholders when appropriate. The process then moves to;
Stage 2: Statement of Estimates. This details the estimates received and asks leaseholders for any relevant comments.
Stage 3: If the contractor selected for the work is not put forward by the leaseholders or is not the lowest estimate this notice gives the reasons for awarding the work to the contractor. It will also summarise and respond to any comments made by leaseholders from stage 2.
For stages 1 and 2, leaseholders are given 30 days to reply with their contractor nominations or comments. So even if estimates for the work are obtained quickly, it will take at least two months as a minimum before any work can begin.
The Martyn Gerrard Block Management team are well experienced in arranging and managing major works on a range of property sizes and styles. We carry out regular site inspections and can anticipate potential problems that will require significant expense and will arrange for a surveyor's report if necessary. For regular major works, we will prepare long-term plans with budgeting and fund management.
If you live in a block and need advice or are worried about how the property is being managed, get in touch we will be pleased to help.
You can find out more about our services here:
We offer a complete range of services to help with all of your property needs
You can benefit from Martyn Gerrard’s 55+ years of experience and access all the services you may need on your property journey, all under one roof.
Whatever you need, we can help, with practical guidance and straightforward advice from experts you can trust, available to help you every step of the way.
