CASE STUDIES FROM 2023 – second homes
As we commence the month of January, a period conducive to reflection and strategic planning, we take a look at some key achievements attained by KNIGHTSBRIDGE throughout 2023.
Within a few months of enlisting KNIGHTSBRIDGE for property management services, we received glowing feedback from a member of the Qatar Royal Family, highlighting a marked improvement management standards of their 3 apartments near HYDE PARK compared to their previous service provider. The client specifically commended our commitment to excellence, citing the properties consistently being in pristine condition for each visit, regular and timely service execution, and clear communication that kept them well-informed. Notably, our responsive approach was highlighted, with contractors dispatched within 1-2 hours of reported issues, namely a recent blocked bath drain while the client was in occupation. This positive feedback is a testament to our dedication to delivering unparalleled property management services and our relentless pursuit of excellence in every aspect of our operations.
We successfully secured approval for a £35,280 insurance claim after a year of continuous communication and negotiation for a MAYFAIR property that had suffered significant leak damage during the challenging times of COVID. Beyond navigating the complexities, we oversaw and executed a comprehensive 3-month restoration project. This included a full strip-out of damaged flooring, the installation of new underfloor heating, and laying new flooring. Additionally, the property underwent a facelift with a repaint of ceilings and walls. We sourced specialist fabric wallpaper and engaged specialist fitters to ensure a premium finish. This accomplishment not only underscores our commitment but also showcases expertise in managing and executing intricate restoration works within a defined timeline.
Arranged to modify a troubled bespoke BMS system on a townhouse in KNIGHTSBRIDGE, which was recently installed as part of a larger renovation project prior to our management. Fear of a major overhaul was halted due to our contact of experts who supplied us with a solution to transform a complex system to one more user friendly. Multiple issues were eliminated as part of the upgrade such as replacing the heatmiser devices, including the Hub, as communication problems with the thermostats continued to persist. The boiler was also re-wired so that the heating and hot water can work independently which was not the case before.
A second post renovation issue we encountered during our management transpired in a townhouse in MARYLEBONE, concerning a fan coil unit located in the dining room & informal lounge that continued to go into fault. An investigation was carried out by two separate AC technicians for conclusion comparisons, where the solution from both were similar. They established that an additional receiver was required for each room, part of an oversight by the installer.
In addition to the above, rising damp began to appear in a playroom located in the basement. It was confirmed via the surveyor that the walls in the basement were not waterproofed during renovations, therefore we were tasked to organise for damp proofing – inclusive of tanking, injecting of DPC cream, plaster boarding and plastering etc – to take place prior to wallpapering; also carried out by ourselves shortly afterwards. Subsequent damp proofing was done in further rooms since in the excess of £70,000, whilst to tackle all possible causes, we also arrange for a CCTV survey to be carried out on the main drain line inside the house. The findings showed gaps across 7 joints that needed to be patched up; This was completed soon afterwards as a matter of urgency.
There was a mystery regarding a leak inside an apartment located in BATTERSEA. During handover, we were alerted to severe water damage at ground level which affected the walls in 3 x bedroom and ensuites. Several engineers from both our client’s and the building management’s end attended to the issue. An assessment was made, and repairs carried out however, after an interval, the problem re-appeared. Our involvement led to arranging for our plumber to thoroughly investigated the matter where he confirmed that the actual source, derived from 3 separate location in the master ensuite; The tanking beneath the shower enclosure, the pipework between the toilet and shower had a gap in one of its joints, and the bidet pipework was leaking beneath the marble floors.
We took over the management of a 3-bedroom Mews in Belgravia. Prior to handover, we were forewarned the property was plagued with a list of problems which had not been attended to over the past 3 years. Issues which were rectified over the span of 2 months, but not limited to were: repairs to water ingress from shower affecting the room below in one ensuite, and affecting the area outside the enclosure in another. Making good to ceiling and woodwork caused by said leak in room below, wiring was also checked by our electrician. A repair was also carried out on a puzzling situation where an ensuite’s toilet was without use due to the pan being drained whenever the shower is in use.
In the same Mews, complications arose during the supply and install of a new integrated washer dryer. The correct measurements were given to the supplier though upon install, when they attempted to remove the old machine from the kitchen unit, it was noted that the isolation valve for the water supply pipe was faulty. The waste pipe for the washer dryer was also connected to the dishwasher and therefore would need to be removed in order to reconnect with the new; both issues required a plumber and an appliance engineer as this fell outside the supplier’s responsibility; Their remit was amended to delivery only in 48 hours’ time. The isolation valve was replaced by our plumber the following day, whilst one of our appliance engineers rearranged his diary to ensure he was within 15 minutes of the Mews. This way, he was able to attend and carry out the intricate install shortly after delivery was made.
