CLIENT

CONSULTANCY TYPE

THE TASK

The building has a complex network of sophisticated heating and cooling systems and a modern Building Management System but all were nearing 10 years old, a point at which maintenance costs begin to increase - sometimes leading to costly repairs and/or even early replacement of plant. The managing agents had raised concerns about the continual increase in ongoing maintenance costs that had not been budgeted for. Resero was asked to provide an assessment as to where the line should be drawn in terms of spending money to maintain equipment versus capital expenditure for replacement or upgrading.

OUR APPROACH

Resero completed a full site survey to review and assess each piece of plant/equipment individually in order to create a 5-10-year planned maintenance programme (PMP) which is sometimes known as a lifecycle planner.

Many PMPs are based on generic, industry standards such as CIBSE guidelines on general life expectancy and Spons guideline replacement prices.

However, Resero has developed its own cost library based on real projects allowing us to replace or sense check industry guideline costs. This insight into cost management, coupled with engineering expertise and a sustainability remit, means that we continuously question contractor costs and cost options. We do not, for example, believe in replacing plant on a like-for-like basis if we can find a more effective and sustainable alternative.

We also support asset managers to recover costs wherever possible through the service charge by using a wide evidence base and analysing all reasonable options and alternatives. This helps explain and justify changes to tenants in line with RICS professional guidance.

OUTCOMES

The previously prepared PMP was out of date and based on a generic set of lifecycle cost values. Resero's detailed methodology was able to identify upcoming expenditure that was not previously anticipated. We worked with the client to set a more accurate service charge for tenants. Our broad evidence base helped to explain and justify these measures and will help future-proof against unexpected and expensive bills over the next 5-10 years