Replacement revealed for Edinburgh Statutory Repairs Service

Thanks for alerting us to this latest development,  Gavin. At least we are ahead of the game and saved ourselves 26%!

http://m.stv.tv/news/east-central/300464-replacement-for-edinburghs-scandal-hit-statutory-repairs-service

Elliott House Development

You may well have noticed that Elliott House on the corner of Brunswick Street and Hillside Crescent has recently had all its windows removed.  This is at least an improvement on the boarded up look after they were all smashed in some months ago. 

You might be interested in this artist's impression of how it is supposed to look by September next year. 

The property was bought by McLaren Group earlier this year, and the conversion would seem to be following this planning application from 2006. 





If we hear anything more, we'll share it here.

Next Meeting Sunday 26 Oct 2014 at 5pm

Although the scheduled maintenance work identified in the survey conducted by DM Hall almost 3 years ago (Nov 2011) has now been completed, there are still some administrative aspects to be cleared up, as well as agreeing how we plan forwards.  The forecasted high winds this week suggest that not least might be agreeing a programme of maintenance to protect that investment, such as regular rhone cleaning etc.

Please join us to discuss this and any other matters at 5pm on Sunday 26 October. RSVP to bsora@ hotmail.co.uk for venue.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Catriona
For
BSORA Committee

Update as at 14 September 2014 - and notice of next meeting on 28 September 2014

Well, it hasn't quite sunk in just yet but somehow (and against a fair few odds) we have done it: we have achieved our roofing and building maintenance project! 

It's taken a long time and a lot of effort from a lot of people, but we have successfully managed to repair the glass cupola, and some bits of ironwork; we've replaced some significant bits of degraded stonework, and most noticeably we've completely rebuilt the two chimneys mutual to Montgomery Street, whilst upgrading almost all of the roof leadwork. Please see here for some more final before and after photos.

Chimneys G&H rebuilt

Given that it was built in 1888, making the building over 125 years old, and so far as we can tell it hasn't had much attention lavished on it in that time, that's not really bad going. 

As a part of concluding this particular project, DM Hall will conduct another full survey in a year's time (i.e. July/August 2015).  This will be to check how everything has settled and enable us to identify any other potential issues, which we can then plan to deal with before they become any more significant.

Prevention is certainly better than cure, so to discuss and agree some routine maintenance bits (such as regular rhone and stair cleaning etc), please join us for our next meeting at 5pm on Sunday 28th September when we might just pause to celebrate a bit! Please RSVP to bsora@hotmail.co.uk for venue .

Thanks, 

Catriona
for
BSORA

Notice of Application for a House of Multiple Occupancy Licence for 3F3

For the benefit primarily of those owners not resident in the building, this is to let you know that: 

An application has been made to the City of Edinburgh Council for a licence permitting flat 3F3 (subject of the attic conversion in 2012) to become a House in Multiple Occupancy. (See photo below for details).

This notice must be posted for a minimum of 21 days, to allow time for any representations (objections) to be lodged. 

Any objections must be lodged in writing by 25 August 2014.

Notice advising of HMO Application Licence for Flat 3F3 posted on main door 29 July 2014.   

The following links may be helpful.

• Scottish Government - Houses in Multiple Occupation

• Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation: Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities  (note section 2.2.12) 

• City of Edinburgh Council - Houses in Multiple Occupation 

• CEC: Objecting to a licence application

• Landlord Registration Scotland 

If anyone does have any comments, questions or concerns, please contact bsora@hotmail.co.uk . 

Scaffolding Removal update as at 30 July 2014

Dear all,

As noted in the minutes of our meeting held on Sunday 28, it was agreed that had the remaining scaffold not been removed by Tuesday 29 July 2014, Breck's would be contacted to find out what was going on. 

I received this reply today (Wednesday 30 July 2014) from Peter McKeowan of Breck's:

"The remaining scaffolding was off hired on 22^nd following the last fireplace visit.

Just been in contact this morning with scaffolders, they are on site today to dismantle the remaining scaffolding front and rear. The rear scaffold will be stacked in the rear garden and carried out to the front  tomorrow.

One of the guys on site mentioned a number of buggies in the basement stairwell, if possible can you ask anyone to remove any items from the basement to avoid damage.

I will put a notice up today in the stairwell".

Apart from the fact that we have no families with small children, and therefore no buggies, please ensure that any property stored in the basement, the passage way to the common garden, and on the stair down to the basement is cleared for tomorrow (Thursday 31 July 2014). 

In a subsequent email, Peter confirmed that unlike the mess caused in April when the scaffold was erected, any mud and dirt trailed through the stairwell as a result would be cleared by them.

Regards, 

BSORA

Update and Meeting Notes as at 27 July 2014

No update received this week from either DM Hall or Breck's despite being advised that the scaffolding would be away by 25 July 2014.  The cabin, however, was taken away on Friday. 

Yellow cabin being removed from front of the building on Friday 25 July 2014

In the meantime, many thanks to those that gave up their time to attend the BSORA meeting today.  The minutes for this can be found here. 

Next meeting yet to be confirmed, but likely to be mid/late September. 

Thanks, 
BSORA Committee

Update as at 20 July 2014 - and next meeting Sunday 27 July 2014

No specific update received this week, apart from a request  for the F3 properties to provide access to get their gas appliances reconnected. 

Remaining Scaffolding on Montgomery Street Elevation as at 20 July 2014
- various new stones visible to right of image

The remaining scaffolding should be removed this week.

Our next Committee Meeting will take place on Sunday 27 July at 5pm.  For venue please rsvp to bsora@hotmail.co.uk.

    

Update as at 11 July 2014

No word from David this week, but I did get a copy of this update from Peter at Breck's on Friday 11 July 2014:

Update for this week’s activities on site as follows:

·         Chimney scaffold dismantled
·         Cupola scaffold dismantled
·         Majority of front elevation scaffolding removed
·         Basement areas swept and cleared of debris
·         Lead work nearing completion to base of chimneys G&H following scaffolding removal
·         Slating works to commence Monday following lead installations
·         Remaining scaffolding expected to be off hired by Friday 18/7/14 and removed the following week

Will keep you posted of anything else.

Thanks,
BSORA

Latest Update as at 2 July 2014 - Works Nearing Completion!

Dear all, 

I'm not sure quite when Peter at Breck's sent this update  to David at DM Hall, but please see below received from the latter on Wednesday 2nd July 2014.  

• Original instructed scope of works complete on programme as of today [NB, not sure exactly which day 'today' refers to]
• Chimney scaffold booked to be dismantled on Wednesday [2nd?] to facilitate roofing works below
• Sign off meeting took place on Monday 30/6/14, following meeting scaffold will be off hired to Brunswick Street elevation and Montgomery Street as far as the bay window below chimney G&H.  [presumably 'off hired' means the same as dismantled?]
• Cupola scaffold off hired [this was removed yesterday, Wed 2nd July 2014]
• Rear scaffold to remain until roofing works around Chimneys G&H complete
• Cupola glazing completed successfully last Saturday  
• Owners to be lettered regarding reconnections of gas appliances/ fire place un-blocking booked for Saturday 5/7/14 between 0800-12:00  [NB this really applies to the F3 properties mutual to Montgomery Street - if you are unable to be available then, please liaise directly with Breck's to arrange another more suitable time]

Not reported in the update, but mentioned by Peter in person on Tuesday: our windows have apparently all been cleaned at no charge as an additional service from Breck's. * (*If anyone wants to take advantage of the 'supported access' to undertake any additional cleaning or tidying up before it disappears, you are welcome to do so, but at your own risk).

So, based on this, there is still likely to be some activity over the next few days/weeks, but we will continue to keep you informed.  Please be aware of things falling etc and keep safe. 

Letters will soon be issued detailing the impact to each individual property of the variations to the scope of work, and we look forward to your co-operation with this.   

In the meantime, if you do have any questions, please contact bsora@hotmail.co.uk. 

Chimney G, partially rebuilt, viewed from Brunswick Street side 17 June 2014

Chimney G, rebuilt but not yet rendered, viewed from Brunswick Street side 28 June 2014

Chimney G, rebuilt but not yet rendered, viewed from Montgomery Street side 28 June 2014

Chimney G, rebuilt and rerendered (in a very bright render which will apparently dull down!),
viewed from Montgomery Street side 17 June 2014, with scaffolding partially removed.  

Maybe they took inspiration from our blog - it could barely be closer match if they tried!

  

Latest Update as at 18 June 2014

Please see below the latest update on progress from James Breck Ltd, received today from David Burrup:

• Please see attached document of pics of chimney G takedown. Note the depth of cement render and resulting damage to the underlying sandstone. 

• Works this week have been concentrated on chimney G rebuild, we hope to have the cope poured on Friday. The new render system will be installed next week (weather permitting). 

• The cupola glazing will take place this Saturday (21 June 2014), we would ask that owners take care when entering the upper properties in particular as men will be working overhead. 

• Lead work is nearing completion to chimneys CDE&F 

• Elevation masonry is also nearing completion to the front with the rear elevation masonry due to commence next week.

Chimney G as at 21 May 2014
 - Now you see it....

..and now you don't....Chimney G, gone,
as at 11 June 2014

Chimney G this morning 18 June 2014, both old and new, side by side on Montgomery Street.

 As soon as there is anything further, we will aim to keep you posted. 

Catriona 
for
BSORA

This could so easily have been ours.....!

Tenement front collapses in Glasgow
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-27766612

Front of sandstone tenement collapses in Glasgow

A large amount of masonry has fallen on the street and entrances to flats below

A large section of masonry has collapsed from a tenement building in central Glasgow, showering debris on to flat entrances and the street below.

Police have closed Baliol Street, in the city's Woodlands area, after the collapse was reported at about 13:40.

It is understood that no-one has been injured in the incident.

The masonry formed part of the top section of the blonde sandstone building. Emergency service and utility firms are in attendance.

The top section of the blonde sandstone building collapsed on Monday afternoon

Eyewitness Daniel Twist described how he heard "a big crack" like "a big clap of thunder" then saw the section of building come crashing down in a "puff of smoke".

"Suddenly people were trying to come out of their houses and I was telling them to go back in as I think it was safer," he said.

"We couldn't see that there was anyone underneath the rubble so I decided to call the fire brigade and the police.

"In that time someone came running over and said 'oh my God, that's my house there' and I said 'you're lucky you're here and not there'.

"We did start to smell gas and I said 'I think we need to get away from the area' because we could smell it was quite strong."

Mr Twist said he was glad that no-one had been injured in the incident.

Update as at 8 June 2014

Thanks to those that attended the BSORA meeting today.  

For the benefit of those that were unable to attend, the minutes can be found here (many thanks to Lesley) and the latest update from David Burrup at DM Hall, received Friday 6 June 2014 is as follows:

• Rebuild of chimney H complete
• Front elevation masonry currently in progress
• Lead works to be completed upon removal of chimney scaffolds G & H
• Lithomex repairs complete to front elevation.

See attached James Breck doc for photos of works in progress.

Zoomed in to see the new rebuilt Chimney H at the rear 3 June 2014

Removed stonework visible to the right
of the double window at 3F2.
3 June 2014

New stonework now visible to right of double window at 3F2
and also between the panes at 2F2 below.
6 June 2014

Vertical stone piece to edge of window at 3F2 removed
- visible lying on the scaffold.
5 June 2014

Vertical stone piece at 3F2 window 

now replaced.

6 June 2014

Vertical stone replaced to window at 3F2,
with new portion in place at the top 6 June 2014

Removed stonework from 3F2
- new stones lying on scaffold 1 June 2014

Stones removed by living room window of 3F2
- new stone on scaffold 1 June 2014

New stone in place to right of
double window at 3F2.6 June 2014

 ***********************

In the meantime, on 23 May 2014, we received the unwelcome news that contrary to the earlier assessment, Chimney G was actually unsafe.  Having been partially rebuilt in the past.  It is currently brick on disintegrating stonework.  A majority decision by those affected has been taken to rebuild it.  

Chimney G stone deterioration
May 2014 (1)

Chimney G stone deterioration
May 2014 (2)

Chimney G stone deterioration
May 2014 (3)

As ever, we will do our best to keep you up to date, or feel free to contact us at bsora@hotmail.co.uk . 

BSORA committee

Next Meeting 8 June 2014

Our property in context -
if you zoom in to the right, level with the last spire you can just see the green netting around our scaffold

Hello all, 

Things are changing by the day now, and although we are aiming to keep you informed as best we can, it is not always easy, when we all have full time jobs too! 

Nevertheless, please find the minutes of our last meeting here, and note that our next meeting will be held at 5pm on Sunday 8 June at No 11 Brunswick St Hotel. (Please RSVP to bsora@hotmail.co.uk)

You may have noticed that Chimney H has now been dismantled, and was temporarily residing (safely) on Montgomery Street.  Presumably, the rebuilding of it will start this week.

Many thanks,
BSORA

Chimney H in bits sitting on Montgomery Street 21 May 2014

A zoom in on a partially demolished Chimney H 21 May 2014

Update as at 19 May 2014

Update from David on Friday afternoon:

Quick update for week 4 as follows:

• A few days have been lost due to the poor weather, (?)  hopefully this can be made up without effecting the program.
• Lead work to chimneys E+F completed (see attached) (as reported last week)
• Lead work to chimneys C+D in progress ( as reported last week)
• Cupola haffits complete (see attached)
• Cast iron decorations complete to front elevation
  
• Chimney works to begin on Monday. 

(Photos and more info to follow - there is some fault with Blogger that won't let me post so will just get this basic update out).

Regards, 

Catriona

for

BSORA

(See update below, now that Blogger working again 20th May)

Leadwork to Chimney E and F

Cupola Haffits done, whatever they are

Please note that the following additional works have already been agreed and instructed: 

• Rebuild Chimney H
• Patch to - render to chimney C
• Apron flashings to chimneys C,D,E,F
• 3nr moulded string course cills top level
• Moulded cill 1f3 2nr
• Blocking course projected string detail 
• Replace jamb full height (originally included for indenting)
  

As mentioned in the post from 7 May 2014, these variations were agreed at the meeting on 27 April 2014.  To avoid incurring additional scaffolding costs, we have since been under some pressure to make fairly quick decisions regarding the variations to the rear elevation, and so it was finally agreed to proceed with the following: 

• Rear 2^nd floor lintel 
• Rear downpipe cleared/joints repaired 
  

If you have any questions, please contact either bsora@hotmail.co.uk or David Burrup at DM Hall and we will do our best to answer as best we can.

Thanks,

Catriona

for

BSORA

Latest Update as at 7 May 2014

Dear all,

Despite appearances, things are moving very quickly and it's not easy to keep up to date, far less keeping everyone in the loop. Nevertheless, here is an attempt to do so:

As explained previously, because the orginal survey was carried out in Nov 2011, it was no surprise that there might be some variations to the original estimate.

The previous post ( 24 April 2014) included details from a document prepared by Breck's, outlining the most immediate amendments.

These were discussed at the Meeting held on 27 April 2014, where a majority decision was taken to accept the following proposals. (Minutes to follow)

The variations agreed so far are:

• Schedule Item Number 2.00: Miscellaneous
•  Capping Flues and Disconnecting Gas appliances to Chimneys G&H, added cost

• Schedule Item Number 3.06: Proprietary Eaves
• No longer required, so cost deducted

• Schedule Item Number 5.00: Chimney Works to G&H
• Rebuild Chimney H, so added cost, but shared 50:50 with Montgomery St Block

• Schedule Item Number 5.00: Chimney Works to CDEF
• Patch render to C, newly identified requirement, added cost
• Apron Flashings to CDEF, newly identified but essential, added cost

• Schedule Item Number 6.00: Stonework
• Various amendments as some no longer required, balanced with some additions – net difference is an added cost

Since then, though, we have received some further variations, this time to the rear elevation. These are illustrated in the document you can find here. They include clearing the greenery out of the downpipes, and replacing an additional badly decayed lintel, shown below. These are, inevitably, further additional costs. There is a further lintel which we could replace, if we choose to, although at this stage as it is not deemed essential, the proposal is to leave it in order to curb costs as far as possible.  

Lintel to2f1- No allowance in tender, cement repair failing and stonework underneath is

in poor condition



Greenery growing in downpipes



Taken altogether the overall increase to the project costs at this stage are likely to be approximately an extra £5,200 plus VAT.  This represents just under 10% on the originally estimated costs, equivalent to a sum in the region of about £500 per flat (inc. VAT), although the detailed apportionments by property have yet to be confirmed.  I do appreciate that this is not an insignificant sum, but in the scheme of things (and certainly in the old stat notice days) could probably have been worse. We will aim to get firmer figures as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please contact either bsora@hotmail.co.uk or David Burrup at DM Hall and we will do our best to answer as best we can.

In the meantime, DM Hall have provided the following update for Week 3

• Lead works complete to EF
• Lead works in progress to CD
• Lead works in progress to B
• Cast iron redecorations in progress
• Cupola overhaul in progress
• Chimney rebuild to H instructed 29/4/14
• Re-rendering to G&H to be completed once rebuild to H complete
• Masons expected on site WC 12/5/14 to begin chimney rebuild
  

In terms of stonework to elevations, there is a lead in time of up to 6 weeks for stonework.  If additional stone units are to be instructed this needs to be confirmed to James Breck before 9/6/14 to avoid additional scaffold hires.  The additional charges would be as per the rates previously confirmed.

As ever, every reasonable attempt will be made to keep you informed of what is happening, and what this is likely to mean to us all.

Thanks,

Catriona

for

BSORA