Dear all,
We promised to aim to keep you as up to date as we can with developments, so here goes:
As you may be aware, it is now a month since we communicated with all our neighbours (in both this building and those on either sides) giving notice of our intention to instruct Bolton's to undertake repairs to our chimneys and roof, as per their quote dated 28 June 2011. (Copy available to view here)
Since then, there has been limited communication back from anyone. We have, though heard from the Montgomery Street block, who are currently having their own work done on their roof and stonework. Their residents' association spokesperson suggested that a quote that they had received for those same mutual chimneys (G&H on the map) was less than our quote, but as we have not yet seen a copy, it is hard to assess if it is a comparable quote or not.
Next door have been using the surveying services of DM Hall and I have spoken to the senior surveyor Greig Adams. He has since forwarded information that confirms that the state of the chimneys at the Montgomery Street boundary are in a very poor state of repair. (It seems that they had opted not to do that particular bit just now because it was too complicated to involve all of us, but I think that they may now be planning to take action - although we have obviously yet to be notified of anything).
However, in the last month, Andy Anderson has had even more water coming in to his flat in 3F3 - but confusingly, this is in an area (to the front Montgomery Street side of the building), that is not mentioned at all in the Bolton quote. This makes us hesitant to actually instruct Bolton's, as clearly we want to ensure that we are paying for work that will not leave any leaks behind!
Alan Duff (3F1), Andy Anderson (3F3) and I (3F2) have therefore concluded that we need to know, once and for all, exactly what we are dealing with. We have therefore instructed DM Hall, as independent surveying professionals, to undertake a Full Building Survey to be completed as soon as possible. (See their website here)
As winter fast approaches and in the interests of maintaining momentum (and potentially making the most of the opportunity of our neighbours' scaffolding) Andy, Alan and I are prepared to cover the costs of this between us just now (estimated around £500 + VAT). We hope that as ultimately we may all benefit from it, others will agree to share that expense (It would be less than £50 per property if we all agree).
This action essentially takes us to where we would have been some years ago when we all agreed to the concept of the Edinburgh Stair Partnership, which would have provided such a survey, enabling us to plan and budget for short, medium and long term maintenance and repairs. An advantage of DM Hall is that they pride themselves on having remained independent of the Council and of any particular contractors.
Anticipating that work will be required, and that we really would benefit from professionals coordinating it, I have also requested a copy of their fee structure for further services such as co-ordinating further quotes and/or contractors.
So, to summarise where we are and what actions are and are not being taken at this stage:
So, to summarise where we are and what actions are and are not being taken at this stage:
- DM Hall have been instructed to undertake a Full Building Survey by Alan, Andy and myself.
- All those of you who agree that this course of action is wise and are willing to share the cost of the fee are invited to contact us.
- Bolton's have not yet been instructed to undertake the work detailed in the 28 June 2011 quote, pending the outcome of the survey.
Kind regards, Catriona
PS If anyone else would like 'author rights' to be able to post messages on the blog, just let me know which email address you'd like to use and I can add you.
