Boris Škoti
Episode · #731
ZGRADONAČELNIK Boris Škoti
Guest Boris ŠkotiHosted by Ana Leko VučkovićMay 3, 2026
Boris Škoti
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
The story of a building representative isn't just about maintenance; it's about navigating complex human dynamics, financial stewardship, and the subtle art of collective decision-making. Boris Škoti, who oversees a 188-apartment building in Zagreb built in 1965, offers a granular look at this often-overlooked role. He didn't just inherit a position; he actively transformed a financially depleted and poorly managed structure into a solvent, well-maintained community. His experience shows that managing a building is less about technical repairs and more about the rigorous application of transparency, financial discipline, and a deep understanding of human psychology. Readers will learn how a single, committed individual can turn a shared liability into a shared asset, one carefully managed euro at a time.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Boris Škoti spent a year and a half serving as an appointed, unpaid representative, after first organizing a group to rewrite the co-ownership agreement to limit the representative's power. His goal was for residents to get to know him before voting, and it worked: he was elected with nearly two-thirds of the votes. Building trust through demonstrated commitment and prior action is often more effective than simply asking for a vote.
02
When Škoti took over, the building's account held around 9,000 euros. Five years later, despite significant investments, the balance stood at 70,000 euros, all without increasing the monthly maintenance fee. Strict financial discipline and meticulous spending oversight, even with a fixed income, can compound into substantial reserves for future large-scale projects.
03
From 2016 to 2022, Škoti's management reduced administrative fees by 20%, energy costs by 36% (by switching to motion-sensor LED lighting), and 'urgent intervention' maintenance costs by a striking 65%. Deep, targeted cuts in often-overlooked budget lines can free up significant capital for planned, long-term improvements rather than reactive fixes.
04
Knowing a full energy renovation wasn't feasible, Škoti focused on smaller, high-impact projects like replacing light bulbs, upgrading the antenna system, and installing radiator suppressors. This 'patching the house' philosophy delivered immediate quality-of-life improvements and prevented costly damage, proving that many small, strategic fixes can be more impactful than waiting for one large, unaffordable project.
05
Before Škoti's intervention, the building experienced two to three floods every few months due to faulty radiator systems. After installing suppressors on the old radiators, there have been no floods in four years. A single, well-chosen technical intervention can eliminate a chronic problem, saving significant ongoing costs, repair time, and resident frustration.
06
Škoti successfully registered the building's janitor's apartment as common co-owner property, a move he believes is unique among similar large buildings in Zapruđe. Diligent legal work to clarify and secure shared assets can convert previously ambiguous spaces into tangible communal value and control.
07
The installation of internal water meters in two-thirds of the apartments led to 13-15% savings on heating and up to 70% savings on water for some residents. Empowering individual residents with precise consumption data through sub-metering fosters personal accountability and drives collective resource savings more effectively than blanket policies.
08
Seasonal minor repairs and waterproofing on the flat roof are performed directly by Škoti and the building caretaker. This hands-on approach, utilizing quality modern materials, extends the roof's life and avoids expensive contractor fees for routine upkeep.
09
For common areas designated for rent, tenants finance their own renovations and are then reimbursed through reduced rent over a period. This creative financing model allows tenants to customize spaces to their liking while effectively spreading the cost and encouraging their long-term commitment.