Questions customers ask
Yes, we know that we’re offering an original service here at Vertical Village Life. Here are some of the questions people have asked us as they’ve been getting their heads around what we can do for them …
Q: Is the website easy to use?
A: Yes. It’s been specifically designed to help residents and directors communicate better with each other.
Q: What about residents who are not online?
A: We recognise that not everyone is online. So if we set up a website for your apartment block, we can produce paper newsletters and documentation reflecting what is on the website for residents without access to a computer.
Q: Do you offer any other services?
A: Yes. We look at your apartment block as a whole. This means that we work with landlords to help them meet the conditions of the lease and so that their tenants can be part of their community and know the dos and don’ts of the building. We can even manage the tenancy if they prefer. We can also work with all residents in the block to get the best value for tradesmen that are needed by more than one flat so handymen or heating engineers can make one visit to the block to work in three or flats on the same day. This saves money for everyone.
Directors’ questions
Q: Can we really pick and choose the services we need?
A: Yes. In some cases, it’s best to review what you have to make sure you’re on a firm footing going forwards, but essentially, yes, you pay for what you need.
Q: What is the advantage of using Vertical Village Life over traditional managing agents?
A: Most managing agents charge a fixed fee for general day to day management of your block. This generally amounts to collecting service charges, paying regular contractors such as cleaners and gardeners and attending to short term maintenence. Often key items are missed and if you don’t ask them to perform specific tasks, they won’t undertake them proactively.
We start by identifying what you want to have done for you and what you’re happy to do yourselves. We agree the work and timescale on a project basis – and you pay for what you need. This way you get the best value and you stay in control.
Q: Can Vertical Village Life help us manage our block better?
A: Yes. We recognise that there are many regulations that need to be met when managing a block of flats. Most people don’t have the time to keep up with what this means in practice so we are happy to talk you through the things you should be keeping an eye on. Our directors’ health check will help you identify if there are gaps in your knowledge and we can build a plan to address any areas of concern. Download the 20-point checklist for management company directors here to see how up-to-speed you are.
Q: Can we keep control of our bank account?
A: Yes. We work however you want. If you’re happy to pay your existing regular contractors then there’s no need for us to take control of your funds. But if you want us to take on this responsibly then we can look at options to suit you.
Q: Would you project manage large-scale works?
A: Typically, we’d work with a surveyor to draw up the specification and oversee the replacement of a roof or similar works. We are happy to track progress against target and to keep directors abreast of the works.
Q: Would you be happy to attend and/or chair our meetings and AGMs?
A: Yes, certainly. Generally we would see this as a good opportunity to meet with residents to understand their priorities and concerns.
Q: Would you be able to suggest a venue for our AGM if we can't use a flat in our block?
A: Yes, certainly. We can suggest two or three local venues, and we’d be happy to make the arrangements for you.
Residents’ questions
Q: Would you consider projects for individual residents?
A: We’re happy to consider any suggestions but, broadly speaking, it works better when we address the needs of several residents at the same time because it saves everyone money. We would consider projects for individual residents, and we’d be happy to talk them through with you. Some these may be seasonal (such as personal shopping over Christmas).
