FAQs
Modernisation
Customer Information Frequently Asked Questions
- When will my house be modernised?
- How long does the work take from start to finish?
- What hours do the contractors work each day?
- Will the contractor be in the house every day during the modernisation period?
- What if I am at work all day?
- I work shifts, what will happen?
- Can I leave the contractor alone in my home?
- I have done the improvement work myself, can I be bypassed?
- I feel I am too old, must I have the works done?
- Will I be given assistance, if I can’t manage?
- Who will be doing the work to my home?
- Will my carpets and furniture be protected?
- What about my laminate flooring?
- Will they be replacing skirting boards?
- What do I do about my cat/dog?
- Will my rent go up?
- Will I be consulted about the design of my kitchen?
- Can I keep my own kitchen units?
- Can I keep my own worktops?
- Can I keep my own mixer taps on my kitchen sink?
- Can the contractor repaint my kitchen in a colour of my choice, if I buy the paint?
When will my house be modernised?
A detailed schedule of the first four years programme will be distributed in May 2007. This will give details of the following works to be carried out:
- Kitchen and Bathroom Renewal
- Central Heating Renewal and Rewire
- Central Heating Only
- Door and Window Renewal
We aim to complete the works as soon as possible with as little disruption as possible. Depending upon the works being carried out, typically timescales are as follows:
- Kitchen and Bathroom – 3-4 Weeks
- Central Heating and Rewire – 2-3 Weeks
- Central Heating Only – 1 Week
- Doors and Windows – 1 Week
Access will be required from 8am until 5.30pm Monday to Friday unless otherwise agreed. You will receive at least seven days notice before the work starts.
Will the contractor be in the house every day during the modernisation period?
The contractor will not be required to be in your house every day during the internal modernisation period. There will be days when no work can be carried out when waiting for plasterwork to dry out etc. The contractor should inform you at the end of the working day if they are returning the following day, or how long you will be without any workmen.
What if I am at work all day?
If you do not have a family member, friend or neighbour who you could leave a key with, then you will have to come to an arrangement with your Estate Management Officer or the Site Manager for access. This is normal practice in such circumstances.
I work shifts, what will happen?
We appreciate that some people do work shifts, but we would ask if it is possible to spend time with friends or family. During the modernisation of your home we do need access to complete the work, so if access is denied for any reason, it will only increase the length of time needed to complete work to your home. If it is not possible to do this, then please speak to your Estate Management Officer or Site Manager to make alternative arrangements.
Can I leave the contractor alone in my home?
All our contractors are very trustworthy and reliable. If you want to go out during the day whilst work is being carried out in your home, you can do so at your own risk. If you have any further concerns please speak to your Estate Management Officer or the Site Manager who will be able to answer any of your questions.
I have done the improvement work myself, can I be bypassed?
When you are notified that works are to be carried out and you have improved your home yourself, then please contact your Estate Management Officer who will arrange for someone to visit you and inspect the works. Works on health and safety grounds must be done.
I feel I am too old, must I have the works done?
We will certainly consider your circumstances if you have a particular medical problem. If this is why you do not wish to have any work done, a visit will be made by your Estate Management Officer to establish your condition and discuss the options that are available to you. If you prefer to go to a friends, relatives house or nearby sheltered court whilst the works are being carried out, then your Estate Management Officer can provide transport for you on a daily basis.
Will I be given assistance, if I can’t manage?
Some of the works may require cupboards to be emptied and/or furniture to be moved and/or carpets to be lifted. If you are unable to do this work yourself and do not have any close family that can help, the please contact your Estate Management Officer to discuss how we can help.
Who will be doing the work to my home?
One of our Officers will visit you before the works begin to give you details of who will carry out the works to your property. Do not allow anyone access to your property unless they have shown you the necessary identification.
Will my carpets and furniture be protected?
It is included in the contractor’s conditions that dustsheets will be used to protect the carpets and furniture whilst carrying out the works.
What about my laminate flooring?
You will be advised before the works are done if you need to lift your carpets/laminate flooring. We will not take any responsibility for any damage.
Will they be replacing skirting boards?
Only your skirting boards in the kitchen and bathroom will be replaced as part of the kitchen/bathroom renewal programme.
What do I do about my cat/dog?
Your pets should be kept out of the way of the workmen wherever possible to avoid any injury to either party. If it is possible, take them to a neighbour or family member’s house.
Will my rent go up?
When going through the transfer process, one of the promises was that rent will not be increased after improvements have been carried out to a property other then the annual rent increases.
Will I be consulted about the design of my kitchen?
If you are having your kitchen renewed, you will be visited by a kitchen surveyor who will discuss the new layout with you. It will be designed to accommodate your fridge/freezer, washing machine and cooker. Any suggested alterations to the layout will be considered at this stage, provided they do not interfere with Health and Safety regulations, etc.
Can I keep my own kitchen units?
This may be possible if your kitchen units are deemed to be satisfactory. However, some of your kitchen units may have to be eased away from the wall for rewiring purposes. Your wall tiling may also be damaged. You might have to sign a disclaimer from the contractor in case of damage. One of our Officers will visit your home to inspect the kitchen and make sure it is up to the standard we require.
Can I keep my own worktops?
Generally not, as the size and layout of the new kitchen may differ from the existing one.
Can I keep my own mixer taps on my kitchen sink?
Please contact your Estate Management Officer who will arrange for an Officer to call to make an inspection.
Can the contractor repaint my kitchen in a colour of my choice, if I buy the paint?
This is at the discretion of the contractor.
