Case Study: Orford Court – Shed Works & Section 20 Challenge

 1. Full Story Version (Detailed Case Study)

The Challenge

In late 2023, Highdorn/Freshwater issued a Section 20 notice for works to the rear sheds at Orford Court, quoting £110,000.

This came after over 20 years of shed neglect, leaving residents with no safe external storage. As a result, scooters and prams were left in communal hallways, which the agent then labelled as 'H&S breaches' — threatening leaseholders with removal costs.

The Approach

- I challenged the inflated Section 20: the true problem was freeholder neglect, not resident behaviour.
- After RTM took control in April 2024:
  • TD Construction were appointed to carry out the shed refurbishment at a realistic cost of £17,050 + VAT (£20,460).
  • Independent asbestos & waste survey was carried out by City Waste at a cost of £2,100.
- Total spend was £22,560, not £110,000.

The Outcome

- The inflated Section 20 was exposed as unreasonable.
- Actual shed refurbishment was achieved for a fraction of the cost.
- Leaseholders avoided over £87,000 in unnecessary charges.
- RTM also set a clear plan for future shed maintenance and safe resident storage.

The Saving

£110,000 quoted vs £22,560 actual. A saving of £87,440 across the block.

Client Reflection

Before: Leaseholders faced a £110k bill for neglected sheds and daily H&S threats.
After: RTM delivered transparency, cut costs by 80%, and restored safe, usable sheds.

2. Snapshot / Marketing Version

🏠 Orford Court – £110k Section 20 Cut to £22.5k

The Problem

- Freeholder/agent issued £110,000 Section 20 for shed & asbestos works.
- Residents forced to store items indoors due to shed neglect.

My Approach

✅ Challenged inflated quote.
✅ Took over via RTM (2024).
✅ Appointed TD Construction – £17,050 + VAT (£20,460).
✅ Independent asbestos/waste survey by City Waste – £2,100.

The Result

💷 Total actual cost: £22,560.
📊 £87,440 saved vs Section 20.
🔑 Safe, usable sheds restored.

Before → After

❌ £110k Section 20.
✅ £22.5k real cost – fair, transparent, and delivered.

3. Canva Flyer (Marketing Handout)

💡 Orford Court – £110k Section 20 vs £22.5k Actual
RTM Delivered Savings of £87,440

The Challenge

- Freshwater/Highdorn quoted £110,000 for sheds.
- 20+ years of neglect → unsafe storage indoors.

The Approach

✅ Appointed TD Construction: £17,050 + VAT (£20,460).
✅ Instructed City Waste for asbestos & waste: £2,100.
✅ Took control through RTM.

The Result

💷 £87,440 saved vs freeholder’s Section 20.
📈 Sheds refurbished at fair cost.
⚖️ Transparent, accountable process.

Before → After

❌ £110k inflated Section 20.
✅ £22.5k actual cost, properly managed.

Contact Me

📞 Maura Walsh
📧 [email protected] 
📱 07949 121641