Shaun Harris

2023 has by any method of measurement been a challenging and game-changing year for the residential property management sector.  In just 12 months we have seen changes to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, and changes to Building Regulations, the largest developers and house builders have (mostly) signed the remediation contract with the government, and the sub 18m storey height Cladding Safety Scheme has been launched and of course the Building Safety Act (BSA) has sent property managers across t

Nearly six years from Grenfell, the landscape has certainly started to change.  The Government has introduced new statute, made amendments to existing statute, launched funds, brought responsible parties to the table and signed up nearly fifty of the largest developers to put right the wrongs of the past.  I could fill several pages providing commentary and advice on the multiple aspects of the fire safety landscape as it exists in 2023, but for the purposes of this editorial, I will consider just three a

When it comes to driving a car, don’t assume that all drivers are good, don’t second guess what other drivers might do or be capable of doing, and be prepared to take appropriate action. And when it comes to fire safety, façade remediation and construction oversight, those of us tasked with policing what actually goes on on-site have to adopt a robust and forensic methodology such that assuming not everyone knows how to drive properly, is probably not a bad thing.  The point I am driving at here of course

The day after Grenfell, a client asked me what I thought had happened and who was responsible.  My answer was “collective failure by committee”.  What I meant by that was that it would seem likely that no one entity or group would be found solely guilty.   My explanation to my client was that there would likely have been multiple failures by multiple parties stretching across design, product choice, quality control, workmanship, oversight, interpretation of standards, contractual ambiguities and matters p

Status Quo The role of Landlords Surveyor regarding Licences to Alter when considering a Leaseholder’s intention to carry out alteration works are understood by all involved. The surveyor will follow the same processes of assessment, reporting and monitoring which is a very efficient and proven approach to service delivery. But is there room for improvement? Surveyors thrive on process and structure which serves all parties very well. Having a structure and process in place is a very effective way of mai

Background to Greening The electric car and use of lithium batteries and the like will transform the way in which we use the car and don’t think for a moment that this will take 25 years or more – it won’t; within a decade the use of the combustion engine as the primary choice of powering a car will be well on the way towards the history books. Other green initiatives and technologies that affect the built environment will also start to become the norm. There is no doubt there is a developing wider appeti

Harris Associates celebrated their 10 year anniversary at the All Star Lanes in July.  The evening was enjoyed by close to 100 guests, from property managers and direct clients to consultants, contractors and everyone in between.  “It was a super evening and as well as a celebration it was also a way of thanking everyone who has contributed to our growth and success.  Looking forward to the next 10 years”  Shaun Harris

So, what is all this MEES business? MEES is the acronym for “Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards” which can be tracked all the way back to the Energy Act 2011 but was in fact introduced more formally in March 2015 via the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales)  Regulations 2015. And as I am sure most of you know EPC stands for “Energy Performance Certificate”. All fascinating stuff but why is this important? Let me explain.   Now that we are firmly in the clutches of 2017, the yea

What is Powder Coating? Powder coating is a widely accepted process that can result in a more durable and superior finish for a variety of products.  This includes façade cladding, windows and doors and is also widely used in other sectors such as the automotive industry. But what is powder coating?  Well, scientifically speaking, the process of powder coating involves electrostatically spraying pigmented powder onto say aluminium or steel frame such that the powder sticks to the frame.  The powder is the

Window Replacements Offence:  Replacing original good quality timber windows with inappropriate modern aluminum or PVC-U casements and stripping out original period doors. Remedy:  If there is a genuine need to replace old / original windows due to aging, damage, windows or the windows and frames being beyond repair then seek advice (preferably from a chartered building surveyor).  There are some excellent products on the market which are now bringing together the requirements of the heritage boffins whil

Historical Background For much of the 20th Century, asbestos was considered a miracle material primarily due to its proven longevity, strength, heat resistance, insulating and waterproofing qualities.  Asbestos was used extensively and featured in a variety of materials / components including: Wall / ceiling linings, decorative textured coatings Vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring Mattresses / quilts for fire stopping and sound insulation Thermal insulation lagging (for boilers, pipework etc.) Insulat

System Failures Flooding and the devastating effects it has on peoples’ homes and businesses makes the news and provides national headlines usually over the winter period between late November and through to February March of a following year.  However, flooding other than that caused by winter tidal surges, storms, ground swell and rivers bursting their banks, can and does occur all year round. In 2015 alone Harris Associates were appointed as contract administrator and overseeing surveyor on five major