Blog Latest Update:

Spring is well and truly here and are we happy; got to say there is not a better place to be than St John and Bansko when it’s like this, the Swallows are nesting and all about in the air. 

We know their nests can be a nuisance but they are a protected 

species and you really must not touch their nests, on request Crown will happily clean any mess left around and associated with their nests, free of charge for all our FM/IPM clients, for non IPM clients, prices are available on request.

So here’s what we have been up to these days/weeks.

Fire Certification:

A lot of work as you can imagine, 17 blocks, 85 floors, each block needing its own registration, boy they love their paper work here, the Fire office has been great though, and we can now confirm that as of 1st May 2012 the St John Hill and Park complex’s are now fully fire certificated.

Park Extinguishers & Hose reel

All extinguishers are in place, missing hose reels at the Park installed and 

maintenance / ownership stickers have been put in place.

The Complex is now covered by a full fire certificate that is right up to date and in line with all new legislation enforced as of 1st May 2012 , as part of this, all operating apart-hotels, hotels and any buildings requiring a fire certification will be required to enter into a maintenance contract with the legalised and certificated fire office in order to ensure both ongoing compliance and proper condition of all extinguishers. Crown FM has entered into this agreement with them and has absorbed the additional cost within our present agreement with the OA, to be included at our next review in September. 

Hill Extinguishers

Official FO labelling + Sj John OA 

Under this maintenance agreement his team will attend site every month and report to ourselves insuring that at all times the complex and the health and safety of owners and users is a priority.

Additionally we have instructed the Fire officer during this month to train our staff in emergency evacuation procedures and will be placing emergency evacuation notices / maps at every floor through out the complex. Update training and regulation compliance testing is to be performed every 6 months.

Apartment Fire Safety

Following on from the complex compliance we are now focusing on the apartments and how to upgrade the cover to best match an expected European standard, not only is this the correct way forward in respect of the owners health and safety but also if we are to be serious about lettings we must start to set our selves above the rest and start to move the complex forward to where we would wish it to be. In this respect we are producing, for all our FM/IPM clients, a life safety and emergency escape procedure with the assistance of the fire office for certification, and to ensure all legalized lettings procedures are adhered to and met. This we are doing free for all Crown FM/IPM clients. FM only clients using alternative IPM 

providers can contact us on info@crown-fm.com for related details and costs to have their apartment compliant. 

We have also sourced a Bulgarian supplier for kitchen fire blankets, apartment fire extinguishers and battery operated smoke alarms.

Cost and full details on how to purchase to follow shortly: 

Condo Act progress;

As expected the heavy work here has been Initially the gathering of the documentation necessary to take us through and Yana and the team have been hard at it, as always the municipality records and manner of holding those records is, lets say different. However we have now got all Park documents together and complete and at the Hill we are promised all architectural drawings by mid-next week. Thank you to all owners for the prompt response in getting your completed Notary details to us.

Apartment labeling;

All FM and IPM clients particularly in the Park where apartment numbering has been missing have all now their own unique Crown apartment identification.

 

Block floor labeling;

Following on from above we are planning to label all floor levels across the complexes, in the next week or so.

External entry system labeling;

We are also going to properly label and assign the entry systems to each Park and Hill block.

Garden;

  

The weather has turned wonderful and I mean wonderful, long sunny days, clear blue sky’s, fresh  mountain air. Now is the time to sort out the gardens, and the gardening team are hard at work, so add the smell of freshly cut grass to the above and your in heaven.

We have finalised the project for the garden areas out side the Park all 2500sqm of it and it has turned out to be a bit more of a task than we first anticipated (no change there then), when we tested the soil it seems our friends Bulkanstroy thought it proper to dump all the construction waste material and all unused construction sand, thus we are having to completely turn over the grounds remove all weeds and bring in and mix good quality earth throughout order the hardy Canadian grass we have purchased will take properly and last.

We are then of to our garden supplier this weekend to finally select the planting, sulected to fit in with our landscape plan and will complete the planting before the real hot weather sets in.

Internet / TV;

We now have the complete fibre proposal in and having gone through both the technical and logistical aspects of it, it looks great and will for sure future proof the complex, but right now we have far greater priorities, this is where Crown Connect comes in, we have been testing and running a number of 4G Ethernet solutions (its what our reception area Wi-Fi hot spot operates on, and very well) and all thus far has been great, so for owners and guests we have invested in a number of these portable plug and play solutions that will offer super Internet coverage that allows TV channel access and unlimited downloads for movies and just about anything else you use the internet for. There will be two levels of service available for rent and depending on what band width and access you require is which model you choose.

Connect 1. Use Internet unlimited and also receive:

  6 GB email

  IPTV with over 50 TV and radio programs

  Speed up to 10Mbps

10 euro a week hire / 100 euro deposit 

Connect 2. Use Internet unlimited and also receive:

  6 GB email

  IPTV with over 50 TV and radio programs

  Speed unlimited

15 euro a week hire / 100 euro deposit 

Owners or visitors wanting a device please need to book one month inadvance of their stay to secure a unit, as a limited amount of units are available right now, however if demand increases we will invest further to meet client demand.

"Smart" for hire:

The Smart Passion car is here with all logos, huge fun to drive and perfect for around town, so for those quick trips to the supermarket or any where else you need the freedom to get to, she will be available to rent at 15 euro an hour and 25 km radius travel limit. Booking is on a first come first serve basis and is available in person at reception or via the email at the reception email address.

Hill & Park Heating / Hot water solutions,

With the outrageous electrical utility costs here in Bansko, combined with the integrity and operational issues related to both the heating and hot water systems at the Park and Hill, we have been on a mission to review each complexes problems in particular and see if we cannot source an engineered solution best suited to both, that resolves Hill problems such as water leaks, pipework prone to freezing, and combined Park and Hill problems, like poor heat distribution, Energy consumption and space management, And we think we have the solutions.

We have already covered at some length in past blogs, Hill issues and whilst inherently the electric boiler system is in principle an appropriate approach to the electrical heating of an apartment, water having a greater specific heat capacity than air 4.2 kj/kg as apposed to air at 1.212 kj/kg, and thus a more efficient medium for the transfer of electrical energy to heat. Its installation and application is wholly flawed. That said, the switch to a simple point of use convective electrical element heaters is also unsatisfactory due to the potential inadequacies of the electrical distribution system and the fact that these units by their nature will cost more to run, thus be warned a simple change could be a case of out of the fire and in to the frying pan. 

With the Park the issues are more simple, and are really focused on energy consumption. With basic water boilers generally heating water you don't need or use plus are slow to react and provide hot water when you do need it. Heating in the Park is in the main via very basic electric element panel heaters, and whilst 

there 100% efficient in converting electrical energy into heat energy the way they transfer this energy to the space and the persons occupying it is hugely inefficient, in simple terms if you have 10 KW worth of electric radiator panels in your apartment you burn 10 KWh of electrical energy 100% of the time they are on, resulting in big bills. 

Energy consumption and energy usage awareness is an issue irrespective of cost, but cost here and now is our primary concern, this is particular relevant when we are considering lettings of apartments as the single biggest issue that eats in to any potential income you may earn, are utility costs and largest by far of these is the electrical cost. 

This initiative of ours is particular relevant as in our experience when people are renting an apartment for their holiday they very rarely care to much for energy consumption or managing the operation of the water boiler, and in most cases particularly through the winter leave everything on, in order to keep 

every thing roasting hot for them.  

So to my mission, during my engineering days one of my specialties was energy management, and via these old contacts I have been discussing and researching in order to find not only an energy conscious solution but low maintenance, easy control and reasonable capital cost solution.

The Details and full costing proposals we will cover in depth in a dedicated blog to be published with in the next month or so, as we are currently testing said solutions in order to make sure the operational characteristics of the equipment. we are proposing, match with and operate within the capabilities/restraints of the existing apartment electrical installations.

Hill fire place chimneys;

Unlike the Park a large amount of Fire places installed in the Hill by the developer are not able to function correctly, from the units we have inspected we have assessed/identified the following common faults (the actual fire place units themselves are of a very good quality and by a very reputable company) mostly as a result of poor and incorrect installations, in the main the primary issue is stack sizes being incorrect resulting in a lack of buoyancy in the stacks, in others flue connections to stacks are not sealed properly leading to leakage. The good news is that with the help of the Fire office we have devised solutions to all the issues, please if you have a fire place you cannot use or are concerned about using, contact ourselves via info@crown-fm.com and we will advise the right solution for you and related costs.

IPM;

Huge thanks’ to all those FM clients that have chosen Crown to be their IPM provider, also we are grateful for your confidence and valued additional custom, as a result we are a long way forward towards being the sole IPM provider at the Village, a mission we make no secret of,  as we and others including most insurance providers believe this is the best way forward for the long term stability and operational continuity of the complex as a whole.We will be holding over our 50% discount offer to all FM clients and feel that at 130 euro (or £2 a week) this is a great value service, particular as over the next few weeks new improved services will be coming on line,Including but not limited toWeekly IPM reporting.

IPM news letter: (in conjunction with FM news letter for FM/IPM clients)

Client comment forms: for all clients to contribute/comment, constructively towards what we are doing and what they would like to see us doing and or improving on.

Energy watch service: management of occupiers use of utilities during lettings periods. 

Swallow’s nest management: (where applicable)

Reception Skype Address:

We have now set up a dedicated St John Village Skype address: stjohnvillage where you can connect direct during normal working hours with Veronica, to ask any questions, impart any information or Skype chat all for free, please in-order for Veronica to manage this service properly if you are requesting a Skype chat with her, my self or any one of the team please book in advance.

FM news letter:

We are currently working on a suitable format for a monthly complex news letter and during this process would gladly welcome any suggestions from owners as to content / format / visuals.

Crown Interiors projects:

Another huge and we mean huge thanks to all those clients that have allowed us into their apartments to create their interior designs and deliver on the subsequent furnishings, its been a huge privilege and a joy to work with you all. 

We will not pretend the winter did not give us more than its fair share of problems and that we have been on a serious catch up until now but the projects are looking great, please see images from a great Park, 2 bed penthouse maisonette, where we had some serious space planning issues to address, but in dealing with these we managed to converted the apartment to a comfortable sleeps 8 unit.

See all the images from this project and detail @ www.facebook.com/crown.interiors.and.furnishing 

More from our completed projects images coming soon when i can get round to doing my David Bailey thing. In the mean time please check out our Facebook page:


Crown Sofa's / Sofa Beds

I was in Sofia the other week for a site inspection, we have a super project there at the moment, and whist i was there I took the opportunity to visit the new Ikea super store on the ring road, now believe it or not I am a Ikea fan, not of everything they do but some of the stuff they do is design wise great, and generally what they do they do great, and really they are not our competition, we do interiors and design of a much more personal, bespoke nature and individual style. 

But anyhow I was quiet excited about seeing what they were up to these days and where the Bulgaria version measured up to, as the last time I walked round an Ikea was some 10 years ago, “wow really is it that long ago” well like so many (comments in media etc) I was, i must say more than a little disappointed, design wise and style wise they really had not moved on at all, (forgive me for being a purist, cant help it) it was like a time warp and I could have been standing in the Wembley store 10 years ago!! now it might be my age, and may be I just don’t get it any more, but surely a business as large as this cannot be fed by students furnishing their bed sits and first time buyers love shacks alone!!  

The other thing that really struck me was the prices, not the expected bargain basement costs at all, in fact quite the reverse in fact and I could not help but compare ourselves despite being at the opposite end of the design and quality scale. most notably the sofas, see below a pretty shabby looking 2+ sofa (not a sofa bed) at 2149 leva (1102 euro) and compare to our Manhattan Sofa, elegantly dignified instance and a sofa bed to-boot, complete with Ottoman,Crown price 950 euro delivered and installed to your apartment, with a wide range of colours and finishes available plus custom sizing available on request. 

A current Sofia project just about to complete with our Manhattan Sofa and ottoman

The Manhattan Sofa bed an elegant style designed by my self completely made in house 

the rather tied looking ill finished over priced ikea unit, 2140 leva & not even a sofa bed!

Sofa delivery Crown style, getting full sized custom sofas at great value prices straight into your apartment, no problems with corridors, stair cases or doors. 

There she goes straight through the window no problem, find another furniture company willing / able to do this and at no extra cost.

 So if you need to upgrade from that communist style, uncomfortable furniture pack sofa bed looking sorry for its self in your apartment (sorry cant find anything nice to say for them) please contact us at info@crown-interiors.com and we will happily advise on the range of colours and finishes available.

Last but by no means least, 


The Mace family and more, move into the St John Village Complex :) Yes putting our money and commitment where our mouth is and moving in to the Park, lets be honest we spend so much time up here and our little Chantal love-her spent so much time alone, when the opportunity arose we grasped it with both hands, and we are loving it, best move we have ever made so Hi to all our new neighbours. 

We have also negotiated a long term let deal with an owner in the Hill for two of our key staff from Plovdiv to live here also and believe it or not our bank manager aswell, so really we are breathing life in to the complex. 


We will also be actively looking for other long term let possibilities 


So now we can really say we are looking after your investments as if it was our own home, 

BECAUSE IT IS.

Onwards, Upwards and to the Future

Happy Easter to all from everyone at Crown 

For Bulgaria and all other Christian Orthodox countries this weekend was pass over and next weekend is Easter, Easter its their most important celebration on the religious calendar and one of my favourite time of year, a time when all families come together.

Hirscher wins Bansko slalom

This season has been a testing one at the St John Village to say the least, but the resort as a whole has experienced near perfect ski conditions- possibly the best yet, since Bansko went international.  Visitor numbers to the resort as a whole, based on the feedback from other hotels and businesses and what we have seen for our selves, has been beyond expectations and with the season officially open until the 17th April, Bansko is well and truly on the winter resort map.

The men’s and lady’s downhill events were hugely successful and congratulations to Ulen, even given the loss of the lady’s Saturday events due to the extreme windy conditions. Millions  watched on TV and I think we can safely say Bansko is on the international events calendar. 

In addition, the development of new bars and restaurants in town means Bansko is likely to be back on the investment map and the future as we at Crown see it is bright, yes bright -  we believe in St John Village and in turn Bansko and for us St John Village is an integral part of Bansko’s future.

This season has been a mighty learning curve, and with the experiences we have been through at St John Village this year we are already actively preparing for next year and assessing what we need to put in place in order to minimize any repeat of the problems of this year.

To this end we have outlined the following bullet point headings with brief description of proposed actions.

Primary issues:

Water supplies: moving forward -working with water board and monitoring their progress and activities, trying to get assurances on system redundancies. Looking at BPP existing dedicated reservoir status and investigating if it is plausible to be brought on line to service the complex as a whole.

Hill / Park Pipework and system leaks: As we all know there are major issues here, but after our endeavors we are pretty confident with where the majority of these issues lie, where they coming from and how to resolve them. Mainly the cause lies in poor plumbing both in the original works and in works carried out at the Hill since the development went operational; therefore we feel that across the Hill and Park a general PPM strategy should be considered and implemented.

Pressure management valves- Park: At the Park one of the major problems has been the pressure regulating devices in the basements of each block, we have already replaced block A and Block C devices, and believe B, D and F should be considered for replacement as good PPM practice, we have had recently a situation in block C the Park when pressures went up to 8 bar and blow of plumbing fittings. And exposed serious flaws in the integrity of the pipework installation, also leading to a major leek with in a cleaners cupboard block C. 

Insulation: The extreme weather not only exposed weaknesses in the plumbing installation it also showed the woeful lack of integrity in the insulation, particularly on those service ducts set on the internal perimeter of the buildings, too many pipes are over exposed and liable to freezing even during normal winter conditions. It would be too difficult to hard lag all lacking areas in the pipe systems,  we feel that a program of soft filling the riser area with loose insulation, whilst pocketing the meters would offer the best and most effective protection and should be considered.

Drainage: In Block B Park we had a significant drainage blockage and as with most issues at the complex the problems are as a result of poor and or incomplete works, in this instance it was builders rubbish left in the system that allowed sewage to gather and finally block. This issue also highlighted that a full CCTV survey of the system is required in order to best identify any future problems and to prevent further similar issues.

Hill LCR: With the weather now turned and spring firmly in the air we shall commence our LCR document for the Hill complex as a whole, and plan to issue during May 2012

Roof: There are roof integrity issues right across the complex but they are particularly prevalent at the Park, however with the roof trace heating system in operation at the Park this season the impact was managed and additional ingress and apartment deterioration limited, however unprotected areas like block lobby entrance roofs did suffer water ingress and will need to be reviewed and repaired.

Cladding Timber/stone: Timber and stone cladding remain an issue for the whole complex - timber being a priority at the rear of block A the Hill and stone cladding at the Park, blocks C and B.

IPM coordination: Put bluntly a lack of cooperation and general resistance to working with our selves, most notably at the Hill, has made a difficult job even more difficult and increased the potential jeopardy for the owners and their investment. We would very much advise a move to a single service single provider situation and believe irrespective of the obvious business prejudice that others could draw from this, we genuinely feel this will guarantee the future of complex and provide the best management solution for all owners. To this end we have extended our 50% discounted offer to all payed up FM clients for another year, where at 130 euro / 110 pound per year it represents great value as well as good management sense.  

Insurance: Apartment and Buildings - as with the IPM there is a common agenda here.  A single negotiated provider would be in the best interests of the owners and complex. We have had a number of meeting in respect to claims with inter-sure these past weeks and have worked with them in the past, and believe they are the most mature and owner focused providers in Bansko right now, interestingly they have strong views on complex/building management and believe also that a single FM/IPM provider is the future and provides a more secure, structured and productive approach to property management in general.

Heating systems Hill: As most owners know there are more than a number of issues with the incumbent heating system to the Hill apartment, as set out in previously issued reports, however we have had significant success with those system where owners have entrusted us to repair and upgrade the system.  We believe a coordinated program of such works across the complex would be beneficial as the system is inherently sound and just need to be attended to properly. 

We are aware however that other IPM providers are offering Electrical Panel Heaters as a solution, whilst a potential solution we must say that it should not be considered with out a proper electrical integrity test to the relevant circuit being connected in to and the related circuit breaker serving the circuit is of the appropriate size and type, both the SC (starting currents) and FLC (full load current) of this system are completely different to that of the incumbent heating system, and not to perform such checks and by a qualified electrician is both irresponsible and derelict of the providers duty of due care. We all know all installation with in the complex are at best limited in scope and on the limit of what is fit for purpose ill conceived modifications not properly considered to any part of these systems could lead to dire consequences. Please if you have had such works completed request the providers electrical certificate of worthiness for the system/circuit taking the additional load and request they provide a written warranty for competence of the installation, and ask if they will also put in writing that they take full responsibility for the works. Exactly this type of irresponsible non professional approach to works and the clients property at the complex is why we have the mess we have now.  

Common area floor tiling: In both the Hill and Park the extreme weather and in particular the huge shifts in temperature combined with a lack of proper expansion provision and no use of flexible cement all further compounded by water ingress as a result of leaks, has resulted in a significant area of floor tiles across the complex having popped and a need for tiles to be reaffixed correctly with expansion provision correctly worked in. this is also true of the external areas and steps around the Hill, a program remedial corrective and repair is now being planned.

24/7 operation: Even though the complex was in a semi operational status the lack of 24/7 reception operation did present a lack of continuity to our service levels provision and we consider this essential if we are to move forward to a more fully operational status and serious lettings.

Security: Considering the situation, we work reasonably well alongside the UBB security however it is a compromise and as with 24/7 cover we believe we need to move towards our own security provision.

And now for the new stuff:

Yes there are a lot of issues and problems to deal with, prioritize and resolve - however we have a great mission and program of events and ideas which when implemented will add further value and potential to the complex.

Hill signage: shortly we will be installing our complimentary Hill signage to tie in with what we have already provided at the Park.  It will have a similar classic, stylish feeling, but have its own identity and look.

IT / TV / Cinema / telecommunication and internet solution: we have worked hard and gone to great lengths to prepare a design for a complete multimedia solution for the complex. We have aimed to future proof as far as possible and thus have derived a package that delivers a 150TB fibre supply that is totally IP based and gives the best  IT and TV complex solution and management system, that will offer live streaming movies, unparalleled internet access and a great security system and management tool. Once we have worked our way through all the technical aspects and fully understand its integration with the current infrastructure and driven costs to a palatable position we will be releasing a detailed proposal.

Crown Connect: in the mean time as of May via our Connect brand we will have a range of USB internet providers and wireless G4 packages available for hourly, daily or weekly hire from reception for owners and clients wishing to have internet in there apartment. Prices and availability on request, booking in advance via the reception email.  

Planting will included Japanese cherry my favourite
blossoming tree along side silver birch and indiginous
architectural pine like Mura 

Gardening / planting: As originally pledged we will be carrying out a planting and small land scrapping project out at the front of the Park and expect to plant during May assuming weather conditions allow. We will also be looking to tap into the underground water source as a way of limiting gardening costs, as we utilize the mountain relief stream. a program of seeding and ground leveling is also proposed where required. 

The scheme we are currently design will include indigenous plants and forest breeds along side carefully selected, world spring / summer / autumn blossoming plants and architectural trees.

Summer: With summer fast approaching and it being our favorite time of the year for being in Bansko, we are wish to encourage owners to get out here and enjoy everything that is on offer from mineral water swimming pools, mountain biking, horse riding etc and are presently working on a program which will include activities such as the Jazz Festival, wine tasting, wine tourism, Spa, history tours, horse riding and golf -where would arrange discounted rounds and access to Pirin golf facilities with a view of even possibly arranging a St John Village Golf tournament.

Crown Diamond Network: Mid summer and in time for the summer holiday season we will be launching the Diamond NW, this is a crown endeavor to collect some of the better Cafe’s restaurants, spa’s and other quality providers together, those business looking to raise the standards in and around Bansko, and make our FM, IPM and Interior clients a wear of them also offering discounts, priority booking and any other special offers.   

Condominium Act: A key step in the future of SJV and we must be clear on what we hope to achieve and the best solution for the complex now and into the future.  From the meeting I attended with Sara it appears there are more opportunities than we might have first realised and proper and full examination of these is essential.

Lettings: As with the Condominium Act a cohesive and targeted approach is needed that sets out our position in the market, Yana has collected all the necessary paper work for legalization and structure of the project, but if we really want to collectively and effectively market and sell the complexes to the full potential all aspects must be coordinated and presented as a whole.  This must included IPM, security, attendance, web site, lettings values, facilities etc, etc this is a big task and must not be underestimated, however where we position the complex now sets the value and potential for the future. To properly service and all other aspects of the lettings potential at the Village we have set up Crown Resorts as the brand front for the endeavor.

Making the OA stronger / Missing owners: The Block Captains initiative is working well and helping to create a real sense of community amongst the owners, Yana is at the municipality next week to see what further information can be found and we will issue an update on current owners schedule with an update on payments made and by whom.

Crown Interiors & Furnishing: We currently have some great projects under way and have completed some stylish designs and installations which we believe are setting the standards in respect to quality and appointment worthy of the St John Village, blog updates to follow shortly.

New Interiors Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Crown.Interiors.and.Furnishing

Dont forget we have our own sofa and sofa bed manufacturing facility so if you need to or are considering replacing that tied and uncomfortable unit take a look at what we can offer.

Crown Transfers: As always we are here to offer that more discerning and personal collection from the airport be it Sofia, Plovdiv or any of the Greek airports you might be considering, and can cater for 1 to 8 persons, prices and vehicles available on request. also during your time in Bansko vehicles are a valuable for hire with or with out a personal driver. 

Hot of the press we have just invested in a great little runner round for the complex our new Crown Smart, with the complex being over a kilometer long she will make apartment cleaning, linen changes and attendance to clients needs more efficient, she will also be available to owners and clients for short shopping trips and any other local needs at an all inclusive hourly rate, prices and bookings available via the reception email.

Crown St John Properties (coming soon): With more and more people visiting the complex of the street and inquiring out properties and generally showing interest in the complex we have decided it would be in the interests of those clients that wish to try and move there apartment on for what ever reason to offer a coordinated property sales endeavor wholly focused on St John Village properties in this we will have focus, knowledge and position something other agents will not be able to offer, full details to follow soon.  

As can be seen from above we are as a business wholly focused on St John Village and all its needs and are and will work tirelessly to bring the best and deliver on the best for the complex. Always looking for new ideas and way to best services all our clients needs.

Site Update 3/2012

With the Hill block entrances now secured, sustainable FM management is now able to be put in place and we can really start to move forward with the OA's and our plans for St John Village as a whole, bring both the Park and Hill in line with our PPM and RM regimes.

Wow what a few weeks these last have been, a major drainage issue block B Park, not pleasant to deal with, basically as a result of more bulkanstroy short cuts and cowboy antics, builders rubbish left in the system lead to build-up and thus blockage, with no non return valves in the system wast waters backed up in to the basement. needless to say we fixed the problem and facilitated the necessary clear-up.

The dramatic warm up and subsiquent shift in temporatures has caused significant issues during this past week and truly exposed the failings in the plumbing systems and in block C we have an un-believable amoute of uterly deplorable workmanship with us uncovering dry joints in more than a number of locations , and we have had to be a little bit of a Sherlock Holmes in order to locate and fix the problems. Luckily our daily inspection regime is catching the majority of the problems early enough to limit the collateral damage potentualy resultant for the problems. We have also had the assistance of the bank in these endeavours as in response to our requests, security has stepped up their inspections and walk rounds in conjunction with our selves, following a number of significant incidents in their areas.

With the season farming down and weather improving, demands on the water system has backed of, however this has brought new problems, and ones at the other end of the spectrum we now have to much water pressure particular at the Park and we had a spike thursday this week, that took the Block C park pressure regulating valve out an issues we had had previously in block A prior to the season, pressures had reached concerning levels prior to us shutting it down, as with block A the internal mechanism had failed, and as with A this is mostly due to the long period of non use, to this end and to not risk a un-managed even we will be asking the commity to initiate a PPM initiative and change the valves to block's B & D.

This week the fire safety measures will start to be put in place across the complex and emergence exit and fire drill procedures adopted, we are aim for the installation to be complete by the end of the week and the relevant certifications in place by the end of the following week. Thus marking another significant step towards the future.

During the season one of the key issues we had was communication and the identification of owners property management provider, please we would respectfully request that if Crown are not providing your IPM services please ask your provider to place their contact details on the door frame of your apartment, as we do for our client please see image below.

Don't forget that as an FM client all owners are entailed to a 50% discount from our standard rate for the complete IPM service and at 130 Euro per year (110 pound per year), yet another great reason to choose Crown, so if you don't have a provider in the moment or are thinking of changing in the near future please consider our selves. We wont let you down and there be many more advantages down the line as the complex matures and develops.

Hot 2011 / 2012 Season Extention News

Great news for everyone that has not managed to get some skiing in as yet, Hot News straight from the horses mouth, Yana and I where at a reception evening last night and a senior Ulen representative advised us that due to the great snow falls this year and amazing ski weather condition plus great visitor numbers the 2011/2012 Season will be extended to the 17th April 2012 making it the longest season in many, many years fantastic news for ski maniacs and the resort as a whole.

We are already planning for the 2012 / 2013 season and will be issuing our lessons learnt and moving forward report soon.

Thanks for all the support from the Owners at the Hill and the Park Yana, I and all our staff really apresiate and it has for sure helped get us through the season and everything thats gone down during it.