Expert General Contractors in Kilmarnock

The majority of owners within your estate appointed us. Atrium Initiatives, now Choice Places, has been undertaking this role for a number of years, however in 2010 and again in 2012, we wrote to all owners seeking authority to act as factor. The Deed of Conditions makes provision for this to be changed if the majority of owners so wish. There are a number of commercial factoring agents who operate in the area, any of whom would have the skills and experience needed to undertake the work.

Yes, you can change factors, provided the majority of the owners in an estate vote in favour of the change. For obvious reasons we would not want to stop grass cutting, tree pruning, planting, etc. unless an alternative service is in place. Therefore, to avoid major maintenance problems, we would continue to exercise the role of manager unless, and until, the majority of owners in an estate vote to replace us with another body, and so long as it is cost effective for us to do so.

At the beginning of each year and the end of each financial year, statements of accounts are prepared showing the estimated expenditure for the year to come and the actual expenditure for the year past. Individual statements are circulated to all owners, who can be provided, within reason, with further details of any items of expenditure upon request.

Following a plan of works being agreed for each estate, Choice Places carries out an extensive and transparent procurement process to ensure the best value contractors are appointed for both hard and soft landscaping. The procurement process includes open tendering, short listing and one-to-one negotiation to ensure quality of provision and value for money. Due to the cost attached to open tendering, (which is transferred to the owner as part of our administration fee), new contractors are normally appointed on a 3 year basis. This is a best value decision, as it keeps the administration cost of the tender low, but also means contractors can give their best price as they have security in the contract for 3 years, provided they deliver the quality of service as well.