Block Management is a practical and positive solution for any properties that have a communal area.
In a block of apartments this is an easy and natural solution to ensure the property is maintained and managed to a standard that protects the leaseholders investment, ensures the standards are kept high for the freeholder and offers the residents a cared for place to call home. When the communal areas are shared between houses this also eases the burden of individuals having to sort out collecting fees for works including lighting, road surfacing, communal electrics etc.
Sometimes our work comes to us via a Developer looking for a good solution to manage their development. Sometimes it is a property that is currently being managed but perhaps not to the standard that the leaseholders require and we are asked to step in. Otherwise it is because a group of residents have been self-managing and want to relieve themselves of the burden of bank accounts, annual returns, sourcing contractors and collecting fees. In all of these scenarios we are glad to step in and support.
However sometimes it goes the other way. Sometimes we manage a communal area, particularly in the smaller developments, where the residents are particularly engaged and involved and are enthused to take on the management themselves. We have had a case like this recently in Wells with a development of just 4 properties. The owners live on site and have a strong relationship and similar mindset and approached us about taking on the management themselves.
So what do we do in this case? Saying yes, means saying No to a job, would we do that? Of course we would. With good Customer Service, that we pride ourselves on at Bloq, comes a relationship with owners that means supporting them to find the best solution even if in some occasions that means not us. We have ensured they understand the role and responsibilities and are working to hand over with a smooth transition between suppliers and the new residents. In this case their decision to take the reins themselves is right for them and it is good to see that through our involvement in the early days the relationship and confidence on site means they can move forward with this.
Good Customer Service means supporting those who are interested in your service, supporting those who use your service and supporting those who no longer need it.
Author: Paula White 13.11.17
