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Maintenance for student accommodations

Posted on by lou-admin

 

In 2017 Save the Student found that 65% of students have experienced serious issues with their accommodation. Particularly, maintenance issues such as damp, lack of water/heating, security issues, PEST control, and even maintenance companies showing up without notice. To help landlords that are letting out student accommodations, we have put together our top maintenance tips.

Handle student accommodation repairs as soon as possible

Small maintenance issues can soon escalate if not dealt with. For example, a small bathroom leak can soon cause damage flooring and other items, resulting in a costly repair. It is vital that all maintenance issues are dealt with efficiently. Therefore, you need a maintenance company that are able to respond quickly, whilst providing a skilled and reliable service with just one call.

Look out for a planned and reactive maintenance service

As discussed above, you need to find a maintenance company that can provide a fast and reliable service. Regular property inspections will help identify any maintenance issues that could get out of hand. A schedule of planned maintenance can help get properties in a good state of repair to minimise the need for reactive maintenance.

 

Student accommodations can be complex

With hundreds of students living in one place at one time, it can be a very difficult site to manage. With countless bedrooms, kitchens and communal areas. Naturally, there are going to be multiple maintenance issues occurring on a regular basis. Therefore, you will need a property maintenance service that can resolve multiple maintenance issues all at once.

Overall, a number of maintenance issues can occur around student accommodations and they need to be dealt with quickly. At ADC we are able to respond quickly to any maintenance issues you may have. We have established a fantastic reputation for providing planned and reactive maintenance solutions for student accommodations around the UK. With our project management service, multiple maintenance issues can be resolved with one call, rather than managing multiple tradespeople.

You can call on us for any maintenance or repair issues to your student accommodation. See our latest student accommodation case study for an idea of what we can do for you. Or, contact us on 01924 400056 for any planned or reactive maintenance service.

How to find a tradesperson you can trust?

Posted on by lou-admin

Many people have had bad experiences with tradespeople. The problems include poor quality of work, cleanliness, reliability and unclear pricing. 

Property Refurbishment - uPVC DoorThis blog will look at how to choose a reliable tradesperson to ensure the work gets completed safely to a high standard.

If you decide to undergo some maintenance works with your property, you might be wondering how to ensure you choose a reliable tradesperson. Here are our five top tips to find a good tradesperson.

Ask your friends and family

We think one of the best ways to find a reliable tradesperson is to get recommendations from people you trust. Think about who has recently had some similar work completed for them. Ask them who they used, how much it cost and what their experience was like? You can also post a status on Facebook asking for recommendations.

Check for reviews online

Once you have found a few potential tradespeople, make sure to look online for ratings and reviews. By searching in Google you can often find star ratings and reviews from their previous customers. Other sites which have reviews include Facebook, Yelp, Yell, and Trust Pilot.

Check if they have relevant qualifications and accreditations

If you are having gas or electrical work completed it is essential you check the person carrying out the work has the relevant qualifications and registrations. Gas engineers can be checked online at www.gassaferegister.co.uk to ensure they have a current Gas Safe Registration. Electricians should also be registered with a relevant body such as NAPIT or NICEIC. You should ask them for a copy of their current qualifications.

Any tradesperson removing waste from your job should have a Waste Carrier’s Licence with the Environment Agency.

Other trades can often be registered with governing bodies and associations for their speciality such as HETAS or FENSA. Although this can show good quality and professionalism it is not essential for all trades.

Some works such as building, window installation and wood burning stove installations require approval by building control. Full details of which work require approval can be found at www.planningportal.co.uk.

Trades such as bricklaying, joinery and plumbing can complete qualifications such as NVQs or City and Guilds. If a tradesperson has no formal qualifications to show you, you should ensure they have time-served experience in the work they are going to carry out. You could also take up references from their previous customers.

All tradespeople should have good health and safety practices. If they employ over 5 people they should have a health and safety policy and it is good practice to be registered with a health and safety body such as Safe Contractor, CHAS or Construction Line.

Obtaining a quote

It is good to have a clear brief of exactly what works you require. You should then obtain three quotes to compare prices. Sometimes a tradesperson will need to add a disclaimer about things that may not become evident until works commence.

Although you are going to want the most cost-effective option you should be wary if one prices is substantially lower than the others, as this may be reflected in the workmanship and materials used.

Instructing the works

Always ensure you have a written quotation detailing all the agreed works to be undertaken and the price agreed before works commence.

If you are instructing larger jobs it can often be the safest option to have a basic contract in place. Sample JCT contacts can be found online which set out the responsibilities of both parties.Building Services - Sawing

The contract should set out the basics of exactly what works are being carried out, who is doing it, when they are doing it and how much for.

Payment schedules may also be agreed, as deposits and staged payments may be required for larger projects.

If you have any questions about this blog or any of our services, please feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to help and provide advice on any issues you might have.