Maintenance cuts today could mean bigger Dilapidations bills tomorrow

Maintenance cuts today could mean bigger Dilapidations bills tomorrow

Tempting as it is today to economise by reducing building maintenance costs, Scott Walker from sbh.uk warns that the price could be far higher when the landlord presents the Dilapidations bill later on. Planned and carefully managed maintenance should avoid disruption to the business’s operations from problems such as leaks or loss of services – and limit the occupier’s exposure to future repair and dilapidation costs.

Better still, according to Scott Walker, is for the would-be occupier to have a thorough survey and Schedule of Condition prepared before the lease is signed. He commented: “These vital steps will help avoid future disputes, enable the occupier to negotiate a lease rate that reflects the true condition of the building, and will be invaluable in determining the most cost-effective maintenance schedule to keep lifetime costs to a minimum.”

“sbh.uk’s Building Surveying Service acted for clients in 27 different locations throughout the UK last year, helping to save clients money throughout the property life cycle, protecting the occupier’s interests from acquisition through to disposal. Our client list includes companies such as Bibby Distribution, Nestlé, Wincanton and Woolworths, and we are currently dealing with a claim worth over £1m on a single property.”

sbh.uk’s services include Pre-Acquisition Surveys, drawing up Schedules of Condition, determining Dilapidations, designing Planned Maintenance Programmes, updating Fire Insurance Valuations and guidance on Refurbishment and Repairs.

June - 2008