As. Oy Vanamonkuja 1 is a housing company built in 1968, consisting of approximately 200 homes, located in Simonmetsä, Vantaa. Collaboration with Kontu has been ongoing since 2008.
In a large housing company, support in property management is essential, as administrative tasks, financial management, and property maintenance require time and resources. Over the years of partnership, several larger and smaller repair projects have been carried out, requiring both administrative and technical expertise and support.
Active Care of the Housing Company
Vanamonkuja is located in an area recognized as culturally and historically significant. Repairs must consider maintaining the area’s integrity and preserving its distinctive features. A preservation decision is anticipated when the zoning plan is reviewed next.
It is crucial to maintain a significant property well. The company, consisting of six apartment buildings, is well-managed, and repair debt has not accumulated. Over the years, various repair projects have included improvements to parking areas, lock installations, roof renovations, and the renewal of district heating systems. One of the major projects was the pipe renovation, with planning starting in 2011, execution planning in 2013, and actual implementation from 2014 to 2016. During this project, the company’s sauna facilities were also renovated. The company is now preparing for the 10-year warranty inspections related to this pipe renovation.
— “A pipe renovation is always a significant undertaking for a housing company. It is valuable that the same management partner who originally worked on the project and knows the entire process and the issues that have arisen over the years in the pipes will support the upcoming inspections,” says long-term board member Timo Olander.
Long-standing cooperation builds trust, facilitates communication, and enhances collaboration, as the needs of the property and its residents are familiar to the property management. It also simplifies operations in unexpected situations, which cannot always be avoided in a large housing company despite good planning.
— “Over the years, we have dealt with water damage, fires, and other unforeseen events, which require expertise to manage. We have consistently received necessary support, solutions, and concrete action management from both administrative and technical property management,” Timo explains.
Regular, Rational Collaboration – Property Management in Vantaa, Local Roots
In housing companies, boards play a vital role, and especially in larger companies, substantial support from property management is often sought. The board of Vanamonkuja meets several times a year, and contact is maintained between meetings. Meetings require preparation and clear materials to ensure effective and goal-oriented decision-making.
— “At Kontu, we prepare the agendas for board meetings at least a week in advance. We focus on clarity and ensuring that it is easy to make conclusions and decisions based on the materials. We also support the board with ready-made proposals,” says property manager Teemu Kaltiainen.
Minutes are often drafted and signed during the meeting or within a week afterward. All materials are available in the resident portal, and the board can access the company’s financial situation from the accounting system 24/7. The property’s actions, projects, and initiatives can be found in the property management company’s ticketing system, managed by various team members, not just the property manager, which allows for more efficient completion of tasks.
“One of the benefits of long collaboration is also the familiar channels, operating methods, and people. From both the board’s and the residents’ perspectives, it is great that familiar property management people in Vantaa handle matters,” Timo summarizes.
A Well-Managed Financial Situation Brings Security
Managing the housing company’s finances over the long term is a core task for the board, where property management can often provide significant assistance. When finances are in order, there are sufficient funds for necessary expenses, such as renovations, repairs, property tax, and heating.
The liquidity at Vanamonkuja has been good for years. Through careful budgeting, the fee levels have been kept in line with expenses, and a reserve has been built up. A well-managed financial situation provides security for the company, as unexpected situations do not capsize the boat, and repairs can be handled proactively.
Next, the company plans to create a new energy certificate, document drainage systems, and conduct preliminary investigations for renewing drainage. Additionally, various yard area improvements and preparations for the 10-year warranty inspections related to the pipe renovation are on the agenda. Various energy-saving measures will impact maintenance costs.
— “We have a good combination of administrative, financial, and technical expertise with Kontu, which will help keep the company in good shape in the future,” Olander states.
