Block Management

Kernahans are very proactive in their management procedures and operate a ‘hands on’ effective service offering direct personal contact and liaison with each client. This arrangement has proved an important criterion in relationships with clients to ensure a smooth management service.

Through our years in business a network of contacts has been sourced and established with specialist advice available for us to call upon from many professionals in the property field such as chartered building surveyors, valuation surveyors, structural engineers, architects, specialist property lawyers, insurance loss adjusters, building insurance brokers, property auctioneers, interior designers, etc, etc.

In addition there is a large range of building firms contracted to us from the small emergency jobbing company to the larger well established companies who specialise in contracts in excess of £25,000.

Through these sources we are particularly cost effective in respect of day to day building maintenance work. This also applies to the refurbishment costs of flats and buildings, the latter being a service offered to clients.

Our management fees are competitive and commensurate with our services.

An exact quotation can be given upon inspection of the property and discussion with the individual clients as to their requirements and following an evaluation of the activity of the service charge accounts, etc.

General Information

It has always been this firm’s policy to liaise closely and to work hand in hand with all Lessees in buildings that are managed by us. Over the years, this policy has proven to be very effective, resulting in good sound management, as well as establishing excellent client relationships.

References available on request.

Professional Indemnity Insurance in place to £1.750 million.

When necessary and subject to agreement, arranging for specifications to be drawn up, obtaining competitive tenders and organising supervision of all works of a substantial nature, i.e. those works in excess of £2,000.00 and regarded as not standard day to day maintenance repairs. 

Designated interest bearing bank accounts are set up specifically for each block where service charges are paid in and expenses discharged.

Fees by arrangement.

Services Included In The Management Fee

• Ensuring that the day-to-day management of the property is efficient and smooth running. At periodic regular intervals inspect the buildings and report as to general condition, giving any recommendations as required. A planned maintenance scheme can be prepared.
• Attending to routine management enquiries from tenants and leaseholders.
• Dealing with the day-to-day repairs to structure and maintenance, having agreed beforehand from instructing client an agreed limit of expenditure, without reference.
• Employing required staff and effecting the necessary supervision.
• Arranging and supervising maintenance contracts.
• Submitting demands for service and other charges at appropriate intervals. Ground rent collection available at additional cost.
• Making payments to superior Lessors, suppliers, staff, contractors, rating authorities, professional advisers, insurers and others as may be appropriate.
• Advising on Building Insurance Cover and the competitiveness of premiums. Attending to minor insurance claims. The negotiation of larger claims will attract a separate fee. (Many properties in our management portfolio are insured through the second largest insurance brokers in the UK, namely Willis Limited and where exceptional premium rates and cover is secured for properties.)
• Preparing and submitting statements and accounting for balances.
• Producing and circulating service charge accounts and such information and details to which Lessees and recognised Associations are entitled.
• Producing an annual estimate of expenditure for service charge purposes and contributions to reserves, if necessary.
• Reconciling all accounts against actual expenditure on an annual basis and passing to a nominated firm of chartered accountants for an audit certificate. We can recommend a cost effective accountancy firm.
• Dealing with any auditor’s queries.
• Keeping records of relevant matters relating to the property.
• Checking compliance with terms of Lease and statutory requirements.
• Instructing solicitors in relation to unpaid rent/service charges and other matters.
• Replying to solicitor's enquiries in connection with any re-sales and supplying relevant information at their cost.
• Attending periodic residents meetings, when required.
• Advising generally on management policy.