Modernisation Schemes

How we provide this service

Modernisation work to all council owned properties is supported by Housing & Property Service Unit, Property Services.

Every year the council supports a rolling programme of modernisation works to all council owned properties based on the age of the property. The contracts cover many areas and endeavour to keep all houses and bungalows in line with the decent homes standard devised by the government.

The areas in which modernisation take place are usually quite extensive. Consultation with the tenant is always carried out before the work begins with a surveyor from the council who will carry an identity card, if they cannot produce this do not let them in. The same applies to our contractors, they should all carry identity cards and if they can not produce them, refuse access. Notice of when the work will begin and its duration should be given well in advance of the work commencing.

The areas of modernisation that are currently under way are:

Re-roofing
This involves scaffolding being erected all around the property, this may cause some interference to sky dishes. The roof is stripped, re-felted, tiles are renewed and plastic soffits and fascias are fitted.

Kitchen and Bathroom upgrades
The kitchen and bathroom contracts are run together and involve the complete refurbishment of both rooms:

• new kitchen units are put in
• three rows of white wall tiles are put in the kitchen and half height tiling in the bathroom
• thermoplastic floor tiles are put in both rooms
• some structural alteration may take place, such as the removal of pantries
• new sockets are put around the work surfaces in the kitchen
• walls are papered and painted
• ceilings are coved and artexed
• bathroom suites are renewed
• showers are fitted in bungalows either over a bath or shower tray, depending on the tenant's choice.
• provisions for a shower are installed in all houses and existing, working shower units are refitted. If the tenant would like a shower unit fitted we offer the installation and maintenance of a unit for a one off charge of £111, which can be paid in instalments.

Before work begins on the bathroom, kitchen or both, electricians will need access to all rooms and possibly the loft, in order to upgrade the electrics.

Electrical Upgrade
This contract involves the replacement of all electrical fittings:

• switches
• sockets
• light fittings
• consumer unit.

An outside light is also fitted as are hard wired smoke detectors.

As all the electrics in the building are upgraded, access will be required to all rooms.

Central heating
Currently this contract is upgrading old central heating systems whether they are gas, solid fuel or electric.
We have upgraded all partially heated properties that we are aware of. If, however, you still haven't got heating in your bedrooms please contact us via customer services on 01775 761161 and we may be able to add you into the contract.

Painting and Repairs
This contract involves the repair and protection of wooden doors, fascias and soffits and the repainting of previously painted render. Any rotten or damaged areas of door frames, soffits and fascias are cut away, replaced and painted, whereas rotten doors should be replaced.

There are 6 choices of paint colours for woodwork:

• Monarch Red
• Oxford Blue
• Buckingham Green
• Copperbeech Brown
• Deep Sea Foam
• Dulux White

There is also a choice of three colours for render:

• Swansdown
• Magnolia
• County Cream

General Repairs
The general repairs contract takes care of external repairs to brickwork, repointing of walls and chimneys and relaying of concrete paths.

How much will it cost?

There is no charge for this service and the modernisation works do not affect rent.

Links to forms, leaflets and websites providing more information

The Decent Home Standards website.

How do you rate this information / service?

Contact Details

If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.

Related Services: