The Chartered Engineers advised the Board that, although no survey has yet taken place of the roof of Vermeer Court, the Vermeer roof was constructed in the same way and at the same time as Van Gogh Court. It is, therefore, highly likely that Vermeer Court would suffer from the same roof problems as Van Gogh Court. As Vermeer Court is due for external painting during this financial year, it was decided that the roof work would have to be done at that time so that the cost of scaffolding would not be duplicated. 

The Landlord and Tenants Act requires that any work started in a financial year must be included in the budget for that financial year. The Board had little choice but to include an estimate in the budget and service charge invoices. Under the Landlord and Tenants Act, Vermeer Court leaseholders will be consulted regarding the contents of the tender document; the companies to which the tender documents will be sent and also the quotations received as a result of the tenders. All this will be done at the appropriate time later in the project. 

It is possible that, when the survey is done, no problems are found and money collected for the work, refunded. This is, however, unlikely considering the experience with other blocks. In future, a reserve fund for major roof works every 20 years will be set up for all blocks.