Life as a Resident Director: Twice Burned and Ready for Change
Key Points
- Most resident directors face a steep learning curve, even in new buildings
- Poor technology and outdated practices cause unnecessary stress
- True change means blocks owning their data, directors having real control
- Practical tech like Blocwise is built from real experience and a need to make things better
The Real Challenges of Being a Resident Director
When I moved into our new block, I volunteered to be a resident director. I thought I could help out or make things run more smoothly. Within a year, I was completely burnt out and ended up stepping down.
You might expect a new building to be trouble-free, but it quickly became clear this would not be the case. Directors are given the job, yet not much guidance comes with it. There is no playbook or training. I found myself stuck in the middle between residents, managing agents and freeholders, needing to make decisions quickly but rarely with enough information or support.
Dealing with our managing agent was frustrating. We were treated more like an obstacle than a client and were expected to approve things at speed. There was little real technology, just long email chains and countless spreadsheets. We had to learn about everything from finance to building maintenance, all on our own, often worrying about every expense because it was our money on the line. Eventually, I handed things over to someone else.
Why Better Tools Are Needed
Five years later, I tried again, hoping my experience and tech background would help. Sadly, not much had changed. We were still using WhatsApp for quick conversations and emails for everything else. The managing agent said they could not use shared documents, so I built a Notion workspace for the directors. It included issue tracking, building information and useful histories. The agent would not engage with it and insisted on email.
Then came a real problem. Our managing agent let us know, in passing, that our EWS1 certificate had expired months earlier. This meant no one could sell their flat and the building was now at legal risk. We needed an FRAEW assessment urgently. These were all new terms for me. I had to research everything late into the night. It became obvious how old fashioned and hard to navigate the whole system was.
That was when I realised things really needed to change. If I could not find tools that worked for resident directors, I would build them myself. That is how Blocwise started.
What I Want to Change with Blocwise
Directors are not the only ones feeling the stress. Residents also get frustrated by poor communication. I ended up sending WhatsApp broadcasts, organising polls and crafting messages just to keep everyone informed. It was more work, but seeing neighbours less stressed made it feel worth it. That experience shaped the idea behind Blocwise.
We spend a lot of our lives in our homes. It only makes sense to have access to information about the place we live, to keep better records and to run things more smoothly. Instead, we make do with half measures, often feeling in the dark about contracts, invoices and suppliers.
I want buildings and the people running them to be properly in charge, no matter which agent is involved. I am tired of always chasing for updates or answers. Blocwise is not just another app. It is built from real experience to give residents and directors proper control, and to fix a system that has been broken for too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a resident director do?
A resident director represents everyone in the building, works as a link between residents and the managing agent, and makes decisions about maintenance, finances and daily management.
Why do buildings have poor communication?
Many agents still rely on old tools like emails and spreadsheets, making it easy for information to get lost or delayed.
How can technology help directors?
Good technology means directors and residents can easily access records, keep track of tasks and avoid confusion. It also helps ensure managing agents are transparent and accountable.
If you are a resident director with similar frustrations, you are not alone. Blocwise is for people who want to take ownership and make their building a better place to live.