Major works for council tenants

Examples of some major works are outlined below: 

• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Windows and doors
• Communal improvements
• Roofing
• Boilers and heating
• Security and compliance

Kitchens and bathrooms

Kitchen and bathroom programs are determined by:

• the life expectancy of the current kitchen or bathroom
• inspections completed by our stock condition surveyors.

Kitchens last about 25 years. Bathrooms last about 30 years. Symphony provides our kitchen units. They are a supplier that surveys, designs, and tailors each kitchen for the property.

Symphony uses pre-built units. They check the units for quality at every stage of production.

Consultation

We will invite you to an open day or online consultation. The contractor and our Planned Investment Team will answer any questions you have.

You will be able to choose the types of wall colour, worktop or door handles that you would like. Examples of upgrades can be seen on our kitchen and bathroom upgrade guide.

Installation

The length of time a contractor will need to complete the works can vary. An estimated guideline could be as follows:

• Days 1-3: Remove plumbing, install electrics
• Days 4-6: Plastering, fit kitchen units, tiling
• Days 7-9: Decorating, fitting vinyl, finishing touches
• Day 10: Final inspection.

Contractors should carry their company ID cards. They are expected to treat all tenants and homes with professionalism and respect.

Windows and doors

Window and door upgrades are based on current surveyor inspections. All windows and doors are surveyed, measured and designed. Once agreed they are sent to be produced.

We consider the needed security and safety level for each property. We meet the latest building rules and British Standards.

The contractor will contact you throughout the process. They will deal with any issues you may have.

Consultation

We will invite you to an open day or online consultation. The contractor and our Planned Investment Team will answer any questions you have.

You will be able to choose the types of wall colour, worktop or door handles that you would like. Examples of upgrades can be seen on our windows and doors upgrade guide.

What to expect

The approximate manufacture time for a window or door is six weeks. We can usually complete the installation in a day.

The contractor would tell you about a survey appointment. They would also give you notice of the installation date.

Communal improvements

We decorate external painted surfaces of our properties every five years. We also paint any decorated parts of communal areas of flats. We do not decorate inside your home.

This is your job under your tenancy agreement.

What does the project include?

The project involves fixing and painting surfaces. This includes all outside surfaces. It also includes the insides of communal areas of flats.

We complete these works to the highest standard. We use Timonox which limits the spread of fire.

Roofing

We replace pitched and flat roofs. This is part of our Decent Homes programme. The work is based on information from a stock condition survey.

New roofs have ventilated eaves and ridges. This means that they follow building regulations. The new roofs will also be insulated. This means that they will improve energy efficiency.

For flat roofs, we use a liquid waterproofing system. The system is versatile and are guaranteed up to 25 years.

Boilers and heating

Heating replacement programmes are determined by

• the life expectancy of the previous installation
• inspections completed by our stock condition surveyors.

Our heating equipment is supplied by Liberty Group. They survey and install boilers in each property. Liberty Group will contact you throughout the process. They will deal with any issues you may have.

What to expect

A boiler upgrade can be completed in one day. A heating system that requires replacement (such as a boiler or pipework) can take up to three days.

• Before work commences, you should remove items where access will be required.
• You may need to lift your flooring, unless advised otherwise on the day of the survey.

Your new system will be under warrantee for seven years. Your warrantee will be managed through Liberty Group. To see examples of the boilers that we use see our boiler guide.

Security and compliance

These are works to improve security, communal areas and follow health and safety standards.

This project may include:

Door entry. The current system and doors will be upgraded. It may also include:

1. a video entry system
2. external letter boxes
3. modification to block access
4. gated entry installation.

Internal decorations. Includes walls, ceilings and handrails.

Communal flooring. Corridor floors and stairs will be upgraded with a vinyl.

Lighting. Internal communal/emergency lighting will be upgraded.

Doors. All fire doors and frames will be upgraded.

Service ducts. Carry items such as cables and pipes though the building. These may be upgraded to ensure we follow health and safety regulations.

Fire detection system. Provide fire alarms for fire, heat and smoke detection. (To LD2 standards.)

Carbon monoxide (CO) sensors. Installation of CO sensors or alarms to the LD2 Fire alarm system.

Fire compartmentalisation. Where necessary the spread of fire should be reduced using fire breaks or barriers within the building.