TURNING AN UNHABITABLE ESTATE TO A HOME IN JUST 2 WEEKS
KNIGHTSBRIDGE have been looking after some of the most prestigious estates located in Surrey, Ascot and Oxfordshire over the years. We believe it is the right time to give you a ‘behind the scenes’ insight to how the management is carried out.
Our case study showcases a very recent scenario whereby we had less than 2 weeks to ensure an estate owned by one of royal families from the Middle East, was habitable before their arrival. We are proud to say that our hard work paid off, and our client was thrilled with the results we achieved in such a short time frame. We work tirelessly to find solutions for every problem, no matter how big or small.
We took over management of the 70 + room estate located in Surrey. Soon afterwards, an in-depth home inspection was carried out by our skilled Client Managers where critical maintenance issues were discovered, not initially mentioned in the handover with previous agents. All points were logged into our tailor-made management application which we use to update, review and track the progress for every property we manage. Amongst the various problems found, we noted that three separate rooms had water ingress deriving from the skylight in the family and pool room to the point where water was dripping onto the piano and marble floor; water ingress was also seen coming through the gable roof in a bedroom located in the staff quarters. Less noticeable problems were established in the house such as complications with the heating system controlled by the BMS and heat pumps which are all interlinked. Soon after, our report was submitted to the client where we were then informed they will be arriving within the next 2 weeks. Thanks to relationships we have built over the years with industry standard contractors, priority appointments were given and solely thanks to this, we were able to resolve several high priority issues to ensure the house was habitable before arrival.
Amidst the major problems detected, the below were rectified in the two-week period:
– Water ingress from 2 x skylight and gable roof:
Investigation was carried out the following day where it was also seen that the ingress of water into the building stretched to the terrace below the decking above the affected rooms. Fortunately, at that time the water was not dripping through the suspended ceiling as was the case with the skylights therefore we were afforded the luxury to deal with this after the client’s departure. Working around the winter showers, as soon as there was as a period of dryness, our contractor attended to apply GRP roofing solution around the perimeter of the skylight to stop the water penetration below. With respect to the staff bedroom, access was gained to the roof without the need for scaffolds to seal joints beneath the roof tiles, which solved this leak. Though not related to the works carried out prior to the first arrival, we would like to confirm we also supervised and arranged for the removal and installation of 2 x new terrace decking, hot asphalt to allow water to drain off correctly and the application of monoseal liquid rubber were installed in the Spring
– heating (UFH) restored in various rooms caused by faulty home automation system
It was confirmed that no engineers had been to service the KNX system and the underfloor heating manifolds and actuators inside both estates over the last 10 years! As such, the underfloor heating in various rooms were either non-existent, or some of the actuators for the manifolds were not working. At this point, we engaged a KNX engineer to attend and carry out a service focusing solely on the heating, in conjunction with a heating engineer. The heating engineer found that due to neglect, most if not all actuators were leaking beyond repair and needed replacing. The KNX engineer concluded that some of the KNX heating actuator connected to the underfloor heating manifolds, which acts as a link between the heat pumps and manifolds to open/close the actuators and allow heating to the floor, were not responding and needed to be replaced. We were able to replace 2 x KNX heating actuator which were available in the engineer’s office – was given priority to purchase – whilst others needed to be ordered. Expected delivery was during the clients stay therefore a decision was made to manually open up the manifolds in all rooms so there can be heating throughout in the winter without having to rely on the KNX system to call fo heat.
– heat pumps serviced and remedial repairs completed
After each takeover, our own list of contractors is brought on to maintain the property. In this case, we would like to highlight that the existing heat pump company were charging for two separate call outs, despite the estate being on the same plot, for the same family, less than 10 seconds apart! They were swiftly replaced by our engineers who were able to charge the estates under one account and subsequently discovered problems relating to the heat pumps showing excessive stop starts and the brine heating expansion vessels were corroded. Heat pumps were left in working order until after client’s departure where more extensive works can take place
– commercial cooker and fridge freezer serviced and remedial repairs completed
A service was carried out on the commercial cookers where we were informed one of the multi jet burner stock pot was not working and required replacing. The commercial fridge freezers were also serviced and also had its own faults, such as a gas leak from one of the valves and condenser fan motor bearings was faulty beyond repair. All appliance issues noted were repaired during service, and in the case of the stock pot was sourced and replaced within a matter of days
Other issues seen to, though not limited to are: MCC panel checked, AC Units and Ventilation serviced, supplied and installed cartridges for several rigid taps, jet washing of decking and pathways which were extremely slippery, deep cleaning of the estates including exterior windows and sourcing of household goods from our meat, fish, grocery suppliers. As is the case with our VIP clientele, having adequate security in place is of vital importance. At KNIGHTSBRIDGE, we work in conjunction with a variety of security companies who are able to offer personnels such 24 hour guard patrols, alarm response and close protection officers. Ranging from ex-military to professional trained SIA officers, our client’s safety are our foremost priority. Rest assured, if requested, the appropriate team will always be in place during their stay.
Our client was delighted with what we were able to achieve in such a short time frame which enabled a stress free stay. Andrea Koday-Vörös, Founder of KNIGHTSBRIDGE comments “Our keen eye to detail led us to tackle existing issues, whilst also preventing future ones. The impressive work done by our highly experienced members of team, namely Chevoy Johnson and Reena Patel led to our clients trust to carry out major works after departure”. We have overseen works to the terrace roof and upgrades of its decking mentioned above, but also replacement to all manifolds and actuators across both houses, electrical inspection condition report for 21 distribution boards and remedial works, upgrade to lights inside and outside of estates, alongside other works we organised and supervised over the Spring/Summer. Prior to approval for said works, the estimates were included in the yearly budget we drafted for the estates so we are able to carefully assess and control cost, somewhat akin to a building service charge. In addition to maintenance, the budget includes bills, housekeeping, security, gardening, groceries, essentially all financial data pertaining to the running and upkeep of the estates. We have experience in overseeing budgets up to 1 M per year.
It is imperative that all aspects of an estate is meticulously managed to keep cost of repair down in the present and beyond. By organising for routine preventative mechanical and electrical maintenance to be done, in addition to our thorough home inspection, we have been able to successfully achieve this over the years.
