The problem

Part of our exceptional and unique service, is that we work alongside our sister company, Somerset Consult, a firm of Chartered Surveyors and M&E Experts. This gives us extensive knowledge of the construction industry.

On one occasion we were called to a client’s property, after they’d had a new 20- metre residential indoor swimming installed at their home.

The swimming pool was full of green algae which was growing and collecting in the pool, making it unusable and very unwelcoming to the client and their young family.

After an investigative survey, we quickly determined that the pool was originally designed and installed as a standard indoor swimming pool, but was being used by the client as a hot tub. It turned out that following installation, our client had been advised by a third party that the temperature could be adjusted as they wished.

The problem arose due to the increase in water temperature to 30c, exposure to sunlight and a lack of ventilation to control the humidity. Without remedial action, dangerous levels of water bacteria may well have developed.

If designed correctly the pool could indeed serve as a hot tub. This problem was not attributed to a design failure however, but a lack of sound and professional advice from the appointed adviser.

How we reacted

Our approach is to always deliver a fully transparent and comprehensive service and give clients realistic expectations.

We advised the client that they could change the design and function of the pool area, but it would be an extremely costly exercise. We suggested converting a smaller and separate space to be used as a hot tub and spa area if they wished.

This situation was relatively straightforward to resolve. We reset the operating temperatures, thoroughly cleaned the pool and carried out various water and hygiene tests to ensure it was safe and fit for use.

The resolution

We advised the client of the necessity of continual cleaning to prevent algae and bacteria breeding which could result in health issues. Regular specialist maintenance is also required to test and top up water chemicals and check the equipment is operating correctly. Maintenance can save expensive repairs and replacements and keep pools and water in a good condition.

Pools can be expensive to run, but regular routine maintenance keeps costs down. We regularly conduct reviews across all household and property utility bills – replacing equipment such as pumps with environmentally friendly versions can also further reduce energy costs.

Personal service

Part of our service is establishing and managing maintenance, so our clients have complete peace of mind that their property is in the safest of hands with a stress free facilitation service.

Whether it’s a main residency or a second home, we ensure that each aspect is taken care of by professionals so that everything is looked after to the highest standards. We specialise in providing a complete management service for our clients from day-to-day tasks, maintenance requirements, emergency call outs and weekly operational inspections.

To find out more and to get in touch with one of the team, please contact us by calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 or emailing info@somersetestates.com

The post DON’T TURN YOUR SWIMMING POOL INTO A HOT TUB – LESSONS FROM A LUXURY PROPERTY MANAGER appeared first on Somerset Estates.

Spending more time at home over the recent weeks has never been more important, so it’s hardly surprising that there has been a vast leap in demand for countryside living, with rural second properties and metropolitan homes with outside spaces becoming more sought after.

Last week we listened to the Knight Frank podcast, ‘Flight to the Country’, where industry professionals discussed the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, and its significant contribution to the rise in these figures.

As discussed in the podcast, demand for rural homes has rapidly increased due to the shifting of opinions, lifestyle habits and lockdown-dictated working routines. A lack of travel and life as we knew it before, has forced us all to spend more time analysing our own home environments.

As viewed by Knight Frank, London buyers are looking at surrounding counties for purchases. As the property world reopened in the middle of May, rambling land and picturesque gardens have seen a stark rise in viewings and offers.

Data is showing that Londoners expressing an interest are either considering moving to idyllic countryside towns, (that are still convenient and commutable), such as Cobham and Sevenoaks, or keeping their London-property-base and searching for a second home in locations such as the Cotswolds.

Naturally, prime London owners will be in more of a position to look afield for second homes or relocating main residencies, which is coupled with locations where there are good schools.
It’s not surprising that homes finished to very high standards and ready to move into are being snapped up at a rapid rate. These properties are also more likely to achieve higher than the listed guide price.

Across the market we are seeing the desire for inner-city roof gardens and terraces and more room internally – particularly additional space needed for home-working and playrooms, as we pay more attention to valuing home life.

With a greater demand for properties to buy, coupled with fierce competition, it appears to be an ideal opportunity for a sellers’ market. As diverse buyers show interest together with international buyers returning, this makes for a really interesting and exciting period for many. Overseas buyers are still continuing to view and purchase properties using 3D virtual viewing tours, which is becoming more popular as digital technology provides more of an honest and real-time snapshot, compared with that of a photograph which can be edited.

Whether this trend will continue remains uncertain.However, creating home sanctuaries and making improvements to our surrounding environments seem here to stay for the foreseeable future. Equally as important is that homes (particularly high-end properties) are looked after to keep their value, whether used as main residences or a UK base.

At Somerset Estates we are dedicated to the management of luxury residences in London and surrounding counties. We take care of every part of an estate, property and home, whether occupied or vacant, to maintain, protect and improve residencies.

To find out more and to get in touch with one of the team, please contact us by calling +44 (0) 7904 607136 or emailing info@somersetestates.com

The post ‘RETREAT TO THE COUNTRY’ – HERE TO STAY OR A LOCKDOWN TREND? appeared first on Somerset Estates.

We all know the value and utmost importance of regular servicing from cars and motorcycles to private jets and super yachts. This is completely necessary to keep them in good working condition, prevent problems arising and ensure they are safe to operate. Homes, particularly luxury residences, should be cared for in the same way. Here are our 5 reasons why prime estates need dedicated maintenance.

1. Safeguarding and Security

Part of our service for international clients, whether they are based overseas or here permanently, is to safeguard their properties and make sure their homes are safe and secure and not vulnerable to threats. Having in place a security management package, which includes regular security checks, can reduce insurance premiums significantly.

Similar to preventive maintenance, we frequently review security measures and perform regular operational checks and planned servicing to make sure that everything is in order.

2. Regular maintenance protects against damage

It can be all too easy to overlook routine servicing when time is short and nothing seems wrong. However, some issues might not be visible to the untrained eye.
Whilst maintaining a property can seem time consuming and costly, a regular maintenance plan can prevent damage and reduce costs. As technology has evolved, there are now more things that can go wrong within a property. Issues such as leaks, and faulty heating and cooling systems, can cause a huge amount of damage if left undetected, not to mention the unnecessary cost and inconvenience when they fail to perform. For example, the regular cleaning of fan coil filters will help keep air conditioning units running at their best for longer, rather like changing the oil regularly in a car. In essence, planned maintenance can save expensive repairs and replacement.

Each property and client will have different requirements, which is why we offer a complete bespoke service. No two properties are the same and will require a tailored maintenance plan.

3. Vacant homes also need management

Frequent maintenance ensures that properties are kept in good working order so they aren’t affected by seasonal changes, especially if they are not a main residency.
We attach the same level of importance to a client’s second home as if it were their main residency and our experience of vacancy management ensures we’re well aware of potential issues. For example, taps and water outlets need to be flushed if not regularly used, as bacteria can build up within pipes which can be harmful if ingested.

4. Home ‘log book’

Just like a car and other vehicles will have a full service history, we make sure the same applies to our clients’ homes. We build a comprehensive file and portfolio for all properties which include building and design drawings, system documentation and warranties and appliance information. This is clearly important to maintain effective management and provides valuable provenance if a client wishes to sell or let their property in the future.

5. Peace of Mind

Giving our clients peace of mind is at the heart of everything we stand for.

We take away the hassle and stress of maintaining a home and property. We’re here to take care of all aspects, whether it’s a main residency or a second home. We ensure that each aspect is taken care of by professionals so that everything is looked after to the highest standards. We specialise in providing a complete management service for our clients from day to day tasks, maintenance requirements, emergency call outs and weekly operational inspections.

To find out more and to get in touch with one of the team, please contact us by calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 or emailing info@somersetestates.com

The post FIVE REASONS WHY YOUR HOME NEEDS TO BE SERVICED appeared first on Somerset Estates.

Mayfair, London 

The problem

Last year, whilst one of our clients was out of residency their penthouse experienced an electrical surge which caused a significant amount of damage to various electrical appliances within the property, including numerous audio-visual items, fan coil units, lighting equipment and white goods.

How we reacted

We were alerted to this situation immediately, as it is common practice for audio visual specialists and security teams to be monitoring properties 24/7 and contact us for any issues.

We attended the site immediately to investigate the situation. We appointed our electrical contractor to complete a full diagnostic check and discover the source of the problem, which was proven to be an electrical installation fault within the landlord’s main switch room. It was our duty to ensure a detailed inspection was completed and that the insurers were immediately informed. Their policy covered the damage caused by the electrical issue so we arranged for the remedial works to be carried out, and ensured that everything was back the way it should be.

The resolution

This was a complex case for a multitude of reasons. Due to the nature of the fault, the severity of the damage, the sophisticated technologies in place and multiple third-party communication, it was necessary to manage the expectations and interests of all parties. These included the client, the loss adjusters and insurers, numerous contractors, the landlord and building management.

Personal service

At Somerset Estates, our pivotal role is client peace of mind. As we care about our clients on a personal level, we complete a full background check on insurance statuses and insist that all covers are in place. We leave nothing to chance, the risks are simply far too high for an “i” not to be dotted, or a “t” not to be crossed.

Throughout scenarios such as this, we ensure our clients are fully updated, but provide assurance and a stress free facilitation service, enabling them to feel secure that their property is in the safest of hands.

To make an enquiry please call one of the team on +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 or email info@somersetestates.com

The post CASE STUDY – OUR RESPONSE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAULT appeared first on Somerset Estates.