Maintenance

Being right next to the sea, the apartments get quite a battering, especially in those cold northerly winds. However, a regular maintenace programme ensures that the blocks are kept in good order.

The cost of maintenance is spread between all owners in equal proportion. An annual budget is prepared each year for anticipated expenditure and payment is normally made every 6 months. The maintenance charge is currently running at £1,800 per year, but is subject to variation should any major unexpected works need attention.

With no profit-making management company involved, maintenance costs are kept to the minimum possible, without prejudicing quality of care.

Key items of maintenance are managed on a rota. For example, external painting is normally carried out once every 4 years. Other areas are dealt with as required. Recent major works include the replacement of several lifts.

The maintenance charges cover most exterior aspects of the buildings and grounds, as well as interior communal parts. The maintenance charges also cover buildings insurance. Contents insurance is up each owner to arrange to suit their own requirements.

The interior of each apartment is the responsibility of the owner, but is still needs to be maintained, as per the conditions of the lease.