Major works are some of the biggest decisions a Resident Director, Freeholder or Management Company will make. They’re often complex, expensive and can be disruptive for everyone living in the building.
At Wilson Hawkins, we believe major works should never feel rushed or uncertain. With careful planning, transparent communication and experienced project management, we help protect your building while giving everyone confidence in the decisions being made.
Whether it’s a roof replacement, external decorations, lift refurbishment or fire safety improvements, we’ll guide you through every stage, from planning and consultation through to completion.
Major works shouldn’t begin with a nasty surprise.
Too often, major projects only begin once something has already failed.
A leaking roof becomes an emergency. A lift reaches the end of its life. External decorations are years overdue. Suddenly, residents are facing unexpected bills and Directors are trying to make significant decisions under pressure.
We believe there’s a better way.
Through proactive inspections, long-term planning and regular building reviews, we help identify future projects before they become urgent, giving everyone more time to prepare both operationally and financially.
Planning today protects tomorrow.
Major works shouldn’t be viewed as isolated projects.
They’re part of a much bigger plan to protect your building over the next 10 years and beyond.
That’s why we work with Directors to create long-term maintenance strategies that balance immediate priorities with future investment.
This includes:
- Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
- Our proprietary 10-year Capital Expenditure (CapEx) planning
- Building condition reviews
- Reserve and sinking fund planning
- Budget forecasting
- Prioritising essential, preventative and improvement works
The result is fewer surprises, better budgeting and buildings that continue to perform for decades to come.
What counts as major works?
Every building is different, but major works commonly include:
- Roof repairs and complete roof replacement
- Internal and external redecorations
- Window replacement and refurbishment
- Lift modernisation or replacement
- Brickwork and façade repairs
- Balcony repairs
- Structural works
- Fire safety improvements
- Drainage and waterproofing
- Electrical infrastructure upgrades
- Communal lighting improvements
- Private roads, pathways and parking areas
- Heritage and listed building repairs
- External landscaping projects
Whether the work is essential maintenance or an opportunity to improve your building, we’ll ensure it’s carefully planned and professionally managed.
Managing every stage of the project.
Successful major works rely on far more than appointing a contractor. They require careful planning, experienced project management and consistent communication from beginning to end.
Our process typically includes:
Step 1: Understanding the requirement
Every project begins by understanding the issue, assessing the condition of the building and identifying the most appropriate solution.
Step 2: Appointing specialist consultants
Where appropriate, we work alongside surveyors, structural engineers, heritage specialists and other consultants to develop detailed specifications.
Step 3: Preparing the specification
Clear specifications ensure every contractor is pricing the same scope of work, making quotations easier to compare and reducing unexpected variations later.
Step 4: Reviewing budgets and available funds
We’ll assess reserve funds, projected expenditure and service charge implications before work begins, helping Directors make informed financial decisions.
Step 5: Managing the Section 20 consultation
Where consultation is required, we’ll oversee the entire process and ensure every statutory requirement is followed correctly.
Step 6: Tendering and contractor selection
We obtain competitive quotations, benchmark proposals and present clear recommendations, helping Directors choose the contractor that offers the best overall value, not simply the lowest price.
Step 7: Managing the works
Throughout the project we monitor progress, liaise with contractors, manage quality and keep Directors and residents informed.
Step 8: Completion and sign-off
Before any project concludes, we ensure works have been completed to the agreed specification, outstanding issues have been addressed and the final account is properly reviewed.
Section 20. Explained simply.
Section 20 is a legal consultation process designed to protect leaseholders when significant costs are being recovered through the service charge.
While the legislation can appear complicated, the objective is straightforward: ensuring leaseholders are properly informed and given the opportunity to comment before major works begin.
We’ll guide you through the entire process, including:
- Confirming whether consultation is required
- Preparing and issuing statutory notices
- Managing consultation periods
- Responding to leaseholder observations
- Inviting contractor nominations where appropriate
- Obtaining and reviewing competitive tenders
- Providing clear recommendations to Directors
- Maintaining a complete audit trail throughout the project
By carefully managing every stage of the consultation, we help minimise delays, reduce risk and ensure the correct procedures are followed.
Better specifications create better projects.
The quality of a major works project is often decided long before a contractor arrives on site.
Detailed specifications remove ambiguity, allow contractors to price consistently and make it much easier to compare quotations fairly.
This creates:
- Better value for money
- More accurate quotations
- Fewer unexpected variations
- Stronger contractor accountability
- Better finished results
It’s a simple step that can make a significant difference to both cost and quality.
Contractors chosen on evidence, not convenience.
We’ve spent years building relationships with trusted contractors across London.
Every contractor working on one of our buildings is carefully vetted before appointment, with regular reviews of insurance, qualifications, trading history and previous performance.
For larger or specialist projects, we also work alongside experienced consultants and surveyors to ensure the right expertise is appointed for the building.
Keeping residents informed from start to finish.
Major works naturally create questions. Residents want to understand what’s happening, why it’s necessary, how long it will take and how it may affect day-to-day life.
We believe clear communication is just as important as good project management.
Throughout the project we’ll provide updates on:
- The reason for the works
- Project timelines
- Progress on site
- Changes to programme where necessary
- Access arrangements
- Temporary disruption
- Completion dates
Our experience is that when people understand what’s happening, projects tend to run far more smoothly.
Protecting your budget as carefully as your building.
We carefully review every proposal, monitor expenditure throughout the project and help Directors understand the financial impact before decisions are made.
This includes:
- Reviewing reserve funds
- Comparing contractor tenders
- Monitoring project expenditure
- Managing payment schedules
- Reviewing variations
- Final account reconciliation
It’s all part of ensuring every pound spent delivers long-term value for your building.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Section 20?
- When is a Section 20 consultation required?
- How long does the consultation process take?
- Can leaseholders nominate a contractor?
- Who prepares the specification for the works?
- How do you choose contractors?
- How are major works funded?
- Can you help with listed buildings and heritage properties?
- How often will residents receive project updates?
- Can you take over a major works project that’s already underway?
Planning major works?
Whether you’re preparing for future investment or responding to an urgent issue, we’ll help you plan carefully, communicate clearly and deliver projects that protect both your building and your community.