Understanding Buildings and Managing Repairs programme

Next course starting 30th January 2025. Contact us on 0333 355 4165 to book

The programme is primarily aimed at those on the frontline of customer service, who take calls and enquiries from tenants about maintenance and repair problems. Being able to diagnose and report these problems quickly and accurately prevents costly damage to properties and in many cases, health hazards to tenants. It also helps meet maintenance targets more efficiently and keeps tenants satisfied.

This building maintenance course is made up of five modules which can also be taken as standalone modules if that is required. Please note, the certificate can only be granted on successful completion of all five modules. The programmes are flexible and can either be held in-house or as a public course in London. Each module is taught by housing specialists with a high level of technical know-how and expertise.

Each module comes with a comprehensive, up-to-date workbook that forms an ongoing reference tool for each candidate.

The five building maintenance courses in the City & Guilds training programme

1. Building construction

The Building construction module provides candidates with a basic knowledge and understanding of how buildings are constructed. Participants learn about the structure of foundations, walls and roofs and the systems and materials used in their construction.

The module highlights areas that should be maintained and which can become problematic because of neglect, or as a result of defect in materials. This knowledge is important for the effective diagnosis of common problems in domestic properties.

2. Damp and condensation in buildings

The Damp and condensation module helps candidates learn the skills to diagnose problems associated with the most commonly reported repairs requests.

It covers the point at which a tenant notices damp on a wall or ceiling to the moment when expert advice is necessary. In considering the basics of buildings, participants gain an understanding of how to combat damp, reduce condensation and avoid decay and infestation.

The course also provides guidelines for advising tenants on common problems associated with damp and condensation.

3. Heating, lighting and power

The Heating, lighting and power module provides the knowledge and understanding necessary for diagnosing problems with electrical outlets, lights, domestic appliances and heating systems.

It covers subjects like where electricity enters the home and how it is distributed throughout a property to provide power that generates heat and light. It flags the different problems that can arise along the way that can risk property safety and create discomfort to residents.

A housing team that understands how a building’s systems work is better able to identify the causes of problems and order appropriate repairs. If these issues are not acted on quickly and efficiently, they cause further problems, increase costs and create a greater risk to health and safety. This module also helps improve communication between colleagues and contractors when dealing with maintenance and repairs. 

4. Plumbing and drainage

The Plumbing and drainage module provides the knowledge and understanding necessary for diagnosing common problems relating to plumbing and drainage systems in domestic dwellings. From the point at which water enters the home until it leaves as waste-water there are a number of problems that can arise. These can significantly damage a property and have a negative impact on the health of tenants.

If appropriate repairs are not carried out promptly it can lead to expensive repairs way beyond the original problem because of damage caused to decoration, walls, ceilings and floor.

5. Building maintenance and reporting repairs

The Building maintenance and reporting repairs module is the final one in the Understanding Buildings and Managing Repairs programme accredited by City & Guilds. This module consolidates the learning from previous ones and highlights the key areas of knowledge that anyone in a repairs reporting role needs to have.

It is a practical unit that acknowledges the legislation governing social landlord repairs and takes account of the diagnostic and reporting role that staff members conduct.

Next course starting 18th September 2024. Contact us on 0333 355 4165 to book