Wet winter weather keeps property managers busy

Property managers in Bristol have experienced their busiest Christmas ever dealing with dozens of callouts from residents under siege from the wettest December weather in years.

Maintenance teams from Downend-based block management specialists BNS Management Services were called out by residents reporting leaky roofs, blocked drains and flooded basements.

The company – which manages, protects and maintains more than 160 apartment blocks in the Bristol area – had been standing by for a busy festive period but was taken by surprise after the expected big freeze was replaced by continuous and torrential downpours.

BNS managing director Andrew Simmonds said: "We had been expecting cold and frosty mornings and burst pipes but got a winter washout instead. It didn't help that problems were being reported from all over the area rather than one small part of the city."

"Our maintenance crews were on the go from Christmas to New Year's Eve ensuring people's festivities weren't written off by the rotten weather. We have also been called out at all hours of the morning and night to deal with leaking roofs and fire alarms going off. It was certainly our busiest holiday season break ever.

"On the whole we were able to be with residents within an hour of being notified ensuring limited damage and disruption was caused."

Launched by brothers Andrew and Ian Simmonds in 2006, BNS Management Services' reputation for reliability and rapid response times was tested to the limit by a record number of 28 emergency calls from worried residents.

Andrew continued: "We had bought in tonnes of rock salt in case of a widespread freeze up but it was mainly a bucket and mop operation as the weather found its way in to some properties and overwhelmed everyday preventative works.

"The benefit of having a decent block management agency in place is that residents know we are just a phone call away in case of emergencies. Not only does this take   the stress and responsibility away from residents but an immediate response cuts down on the damage caused by leaks in the roof or blocked gutters and drains."

Andrew continued: "By being able to react quickly we have certainly saved a great deal of money for many blocks under our management.  On top of this the issues are reported on our on-line portal, MyBNS, so all owners and residents, wherever they are in the world, could keep a close eye on their investment at all times."