Improvement works

Planned external maintenance

We operate a five year external repairs cycle on properties that we own, where work is carried out on around a fifth of these annually.

The aim is to protect the external fabric of properties through maintenance checks to doors and windows, for example, and the installation of replacements where necessary.

Other examples of this work include roofing, repointing, walling, path and fence repairs, redecorating and gutter cleaning.

Up to 10 months before work starts we will survey a tenant’s home with a contractor to determine what is required and, where possible, will try to inform you of the following:

  • The aims of the scheme;
  • What work will be carried out;
  • The likely disruption;
  • The likely timescale of the work and when it is likely to begin; and
  • Key contact details.

To ensure minimum disturbance, the contractor will advise you about the work and give you a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to it starting, arranging appropriate dates and times if required. 

Contractors operate between 7.30am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and will strive to give you reasonable access to your home while work is ongoing, as well as providing protection to furniture and carpets when necessary.

The contractor is required to ensure that:

  • Your home is left clean, tidy and secure at the end of each working day;
  • Any areas of work are kept in a safe and tidy condition;
  • Skips are removed regularly;
  • You are kept informed if the work is to take longer than anticipated;
  • The site compound is kept fully enclosed and in a clean and tidy state.

Our staff and contractors will carry identification with them on all visits and our Project Officer will try to visit regularly while work is in progress, especially when this is substantial or disruptive.

Once the work is completed a handover is carried out between us and the contractor and any defects must be put right. 

To help us continuously improve our services, you will be asked to complete a satisfaction survey once work is finished.