Planned Home Improvements

We look at two geographical areas per year, covering all the areas we serve over a six-year period.  Our programme is based on a full stock condition survey of these focus areas – this helps us decide which major improvement works are a priority, making sure that the oldest elements are improved first.

We will write to you early in the year (February / March) if your home is going to be included in the coming year’s programme and will notify you of the works date 3 weeks in advance.

There are steps you should take to prepare for works being carried out in your home.

SBHA ask that you do not smoke at least 30 minutes prior to the works being carried out within the designated area of your home. (SBHA as an employer has a responsibility for health and safety for all staff in accordance with the Smoking at Work Policy).

Preparing for new windows

• You must take down any curtains and blinds and clear window sills.
• You will need to move any furniture and belongings to at least 1 metre away from the window area.
• Externally, ensure that the tradespeople have clear access.
• If the contractor is fitting more than one window, at the end of each day, each window will be fully secure although the work may not be complete.
  

Preparing for your new kitchen

• You must empty your kitchen units, cupboards and drawers.
• If you have a disability or are elderly and need help to pack, then please let us know at your earliest convenience.
• All shelves, pictures and clocks must be removed from the walls.
• The Contractor will test the cooker prior to removal and installation. Any faults found at the first inspection will be highlighted to you and fitting may be delayed until you arrange for the cooker to be repaired.
• Fridges and freezers will require to be moved to a temporary location. Once relocated, they can be switched back on according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Prepare a temporary location for white goods i.e. fridge, freezer, washing machine and dish-washer.
• Remove all items from work-surfaces.
• Clear the fuse-box cupboard for electrical work.
• One unit surface will be made available if required for your microwave ove, however, if required, temporary cooking facilities will be provided i.e. microwave or hotplate.
• Ensure washing machine and dish-washer are empty. Our Contractor will disconnect and reconnect after completion of works.
• There will be disruption of water and electricity while work is being carried out.
• All electricity and water supplies will be reconnected at the end of each working day to your home but may not be available within the kitchen. This will be restored as soon as possible and bottled drinking water will be supplied if required.

Preparing for your new bathroom

• You must empty cabinets, remove shelves, fixtures, mats and toiletries.
• If you wish to keep any items, please remove them or they will be disposed of as part of the refurbishment.
• Clear the fuse-box cupboard for electrical work.
• There will be disruption of water and electricity while work is being carried out.
• Electricity and water supplies will be reconnected at the end of each working day.
• Toilet and bathing/showering facilities will be re-connected at the end of each day.

Preparing for your new heating system

• You will be made aware of boiler and radiator positions at the time of survey. Please ensure that these areas are kept clear of all personal belongings or obstructions.
• Carpets and floors will be lifted by our Contractor where work is being carried out.
• If you have laminate flooring, you will be responsible for the removal and refitting.
• Clear the fuse-box cupboard for electrical work
  There may be disruption of water and electricity while work is being carried out.
• If required, our Contractor will provide temporary heaters during the works being carried out.
• All electricity and water supply will be reconnected at the end of each working day.
• Where a coal fire is being removed, you will be offered a choice of electric fire suites.
• Where a coal or gas fire is being removed you will be offered a choice of electric suites.

Most work takes place while the Tenant is in their home, and we recognise that Improvement Programmes can be disruptive for people.  For this reason we have a clear Customer Care Policy that sets out how our Contractors should plan and carry out the work.

Customer Care Standards click here

We will confirm which contractor is carrying out the works and you will have a 3 weeks' notice of works starting in your home.  They will wear branded clothing and have an ID badge.  If you have any concerns call us on 0800 0193 222.

You will not get a letter if the survey showed that improvements weren’t needed this time around.  The property will be surveyed again in the next 6 year cycle.

If we were unable to survey the property it will still be included in our programme if our information suggests that an upgrade is due, and in this case y ou would still receive a letter to advise you that work is to take place.

Some Tenants choose to carry out improvements to their home at their own expense.  It is essential that permission is requested before carrying out any work in your home beyond basic internal decoration such as painting walls.   See here for info about making improvements to your home.

Permission should be requested in writing from one of your local Neighbourhood Property Officers – find your local Officer on our Community Team page. In some cases, where Tenants leave a Tenancy and have carried out major work (with permission) they may be entitled to financial compensation for the work done. For more information download the Right to Compensation Scheme leaflet.