We continue to invest in improving the standard, quality and efficiency of our existing homes to make sure all our customers have a safe, secure and well-maintained home they’re proud to live in.
Last year our investment included:
| Structural, groundworks and fencing improvements – £2.3m | Kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors and roofs – £1m |
| Energy efficiency measures – £2.2m | Communal doors, door entry and warden call systems – £930 |
| Boiler replacements and heating upgrades – £2.2m | Showers – £510k |
| Electrical rewires and new alarms – £800k | Fire safety enhancements – £2m |
This year we will continue to invest in our homes, and so far this year our priorities have been:
- Completion of the next phase of our shower installation programme, with a shower fitted to over 550 properties since April.
- Energy efficiency works, meaning that over 95% of our homes are now at an energy rating of EPC C or above.
- £1.4m of fire safety works, including fire alarm upgrades and compartmentation works.
As we move into the second half of the year, we will continue to prioritise fire safety, but also deliver kitchen, bathroom, roof and communal door replacements, prioritising those homes and blocks most in need.
If we’re planning any work to your home or block we’ll contact you to let you know.
Stock condition surveys
We’re now starting to plan our investment for the next 3-5 years and our priorities and approach will be set out in what is known as an ‘Asset Strategy’.
To support us in developing this strategy we’re currently carrying out a large number of ‘Stock Condition Surveys’ to our homes and blocks. These surveys provide us with detailed information about the condition and safety of our homes and blocks so we can ensure your home is safe and comfortable and plan for when future investment may be needed.
This year’s surveys are being carried out by Savills. They’ll write to you let you know when they will be in your area, provide more details about the survey and how you can arrange access. If you’re contacted by Savills about carrying out a survey to your home, it’s important that you allow access so that we can identify when improvements to your home may be needed. The survey should take no longer than 45 minutes and won’t cause any mess or disruption to your home.
When improvement work is carried out in your home will depend on the condition and functionality of key elements and the Stock Condition Surveys help us to confirm this. The table below gives you an idea of the age at which we may look to replace elements in your home, however this is also subject to their condition, functionality and other investment priorities we have, e.g. fire safety.
| Kitchen | 25 years |
| Bathroom | 30 years |
| Roof | 65 years |
| Windows & Doors | 40 years |
| Boiler | 20 years |
Our approach to improvement work aims to ensure that all our homes meet the ‘Decent Homes Standard‘.
What to expect when we’re working in your home
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If planned maintenance or works are needed in your home, we’ll write to you to explain exactly what we’re planning to do, how long it’ll take and any next steps.
It’s important to note that how long works take to start and complete changes depending on what it is we’re doing but we’ll do our best to minimise any disruption to your household. You’ll also have the chance to talk to us before any works start in your home so we can answer any questions you may have and schedule your appointments around you.
Before any works start, we may need to access your home to complete surveys and checks to make sure the areas we’re planning to work in are safe and that we have the right materials and equipment to complete the job. This also helps us keep you, your household, our team and any contractors safe.
If we do need to visit your home before works start, we’ll write to you to explain exactly what surveys are needed.
Did you know that some works we complete, like fitting new bathrooms and kitchens, mean you can choose what’s being installed in your home? You’ll work with our Customer Liaison Coordinator who’ll talk you through all your options, answer any questions you may have and record your choices to make sure your new kitchen or bathroom is just how you want it.
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While we’re working in your home, our Customer Liaison Coordinator will be your personal contact and share any updates from our Contractor with you. You’ll also be able to ask our Customer Liaison Coordinator any questions you may have or raise any issues you’re experiencing directly.
Together, our Customer Liaison Coordinator and Contractor will keep you informed about what’s happening in your home.
The amount of time it takes to complete works depends on a number of things, including:
- the age, construction and layout of your home
- the condition and location of your electric and gas supplies
- if any unforeseen works are needed
- the weather which can impact external works
- if we can access your home as and when needed while works are being carried out
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How long we’re completing works in your home can vary, but the below gives an idea of how long it should take:
- kitchen replacement – 10 working days
- bathroom replacement – seven working days
- boiler replacement – two working days
- roof replacement – 15 working days, including scaffold installation and removal
- windows and door replacements – three working days
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Once works are finished, a member of our team will visit to inspect your home. This is to make sure all planned works have been completed to a high standard and to sign them off. If we’re not happy with the quality of the works, it won’t be signed off and we’ll arrange for it to be completed right away.
Did you know any work we complete in your home is subject to a 12-month defect period? This means if anything goes wrong, you just have to let us know and we’ll arrange for it to be put right as soon as possible.