FAQs - Non-traditional homes
About the programme
Q: What is a non-traditional home?
A: This is a home that was built using non-traditional methods.
Q: What is happening to non-traditional homes under the Decent Homes Programme?
A: We manage 1,816 homes which were built using non-traditional methods. We are refurbishing and upgrading these homes to bring them up to the Government's Decent Homes Standard.
Q: What work will be done to my home?
A: As your home was built using non-traditional methods we may need to carry out specific work. Your home will be surveyed to determine what work needs to be done. This work may include:
- Structural repair work to your floor, walls, ceilings and building frame
- External insulation and/or internal insulation
- Roofing repairs and repairs to your guttering
Your home may also need other work such as a replacement kitchen and bathroom; electrical rewiring, central heating and new windows and doors. This work is not specific to just non-traditional homes.
We will write to you and let you know what work will be done in your home and which of our partner contractors will be delivering the improvements.
Q: Will I get a say over what my home looks like?
A: You will be invited to a consultation event, where we will show you images of what the upgraded and refurbished homes may look like once the works are complete. You will be able to tell us what you think about the designs and this feedback will be used to produce the final designs.
At this event you will also get to speak with the teams involved, and find out how the work will benefit you and where you can also make financial savings on your home energy bills.
Q: When will my home be upgraded?
A: In February we were awarded £71.2m over the next four years to continue with our Decent Homes Programme. Following the announcement we have agreed a new programme to be delivered during 2011/12 and 2012/13. This programme includes improvement works to non-traditional homes in the borough. Please remember this programme is subject to change.
Unfortunately we are unable to give you an exact date when your home will be improved and upgraded. This is due to a number of factors, such as choosing a partner to carry out the improvement works, refusals and surveys.
Homes not included in the programme for next two years have been given a date of 2013/14, 2014/15 or the dates are to be confirmed. Funding for this stage of the programme is currently only provisional and we will keep you updated.
Q: Will I have to move out of my home?
A: You may need to move out of your home for a short period of time (6 to 8 weeks) so we can carry out the improvement works. This move is called a decant and will be arranged by our Decent Homes team.
We will arrange for any furniture, white goods and belongings to be put into free storage.
You will need to securely pack your belongings for collection. All belongings that you want to be placed into storage will be picked up and securely stored.
We will provide you with packing boxes before you move out. For more information please speak to a member of our Decent Homes Team.
Moving out of your home
Q: Will I need to clear out my loft if I move out of my home?
A: You will need to make sure that your loft space is clear to allow the contractors to carry out essential improvement works to your home, such as electrical and roofing work.
If your loft area is boarded out, you will need to lift this to allow the work to progress. If you need any items putting in to storage they must be packed securely for collection.
Please speak to your Tenant Liaison Officer if you have any questions.
Q: If I have to move out of my home will it be kept secure?
A: All homes will be secured by the appointed contractor. On site security will also be provided on the estates to increase security levels.
Please make sure you hand in all your keys to your Tenant Liaison Officer.
Q: How will we make sure that our outhouses/sheds are secure if we are moved out of our home?
A: All valuables kept in your outhouse/shed should be placed in secure storage or taken with you to your decant home. Do not leave any items as we cannot be held responsible if things go missing.
You must make sure your outhouse/shed is fully secured in agreement with your existing home insurance policy before you move out of your home.
Q: What will happen to my electricity and gas bills when I temporarily move out of my home?
A: You will need to contact your electricity and gas providers to check if there is a standing charge for your electricity and gas supply. If you do pay a standing charge you will need to tell your electricity and gas provider that you will be out of your home for approximately 6 to 8 weeks. You may not be charged for this time, but this will depend on your supplier.
Q: Will I need to redirect my post?
A: No. We will pay for your mail to be redirected to your decant home or a relative's home. Your Tenant Liaison Officer will take the details from you before any work starts.
Q: Can I visit my decant home before I move?
A: Yes. Your Tenant Liaison Officer will organise a visit to your decanthome before you move.
Q: Can I stay in the decant home on a permanent basis?
A: The decant homes we use are part of the full Non-Traditional Homes Programme. Therefore we need to use them more than once during the programme. Before you move, you will be asked to sign a document to say that you will return back to your home when the work is complete. If you refuse to move back, you will be in a breach of your tenancy agreement and will be reported to Housing Management.
Q: Will the decant home be decorated and have carpets down?
A: The decant home will be fully decorated and will have floor coverings down in all rooms.
Q: If I move in with family and friends will it affect my benefits?
A: Yes. If you choose to move in with family or friends while the work is carried out, this could affect your housing benefit, council tax rebate or any other means tested benefits that you claim. It could also affect any means tested benefits that your family or friends claim. You will need to contact the Department of Working Pensions to let them know that you are temporarily moving in with family or friends.
If you decide on this option, we will refund your full rent for the number of weeks that you are out of your home, (minus any rent arrears or other debts you may owe to the Council).
Q: Can I leave any unwanted furniture/rubbish in my home when I move out?
A:No. However, you can leave rubbish in your front garden for collection on the day of your move.
Please only move the rubbish into your front garden on the day you move and not before.
Q: How will you deal with the token meters?
A: If you have a token meter in your home it will remain in place. The homes we use for decants will be fitted with token gas and electricity meters. This will minimise any disruption to your existing utility supply.
Q: What will happen with my TV License?
A: You will need to contact TV Licensing on 0300 790 613 to arrange for your TV License to be transferred to your decant home. They will do this for you free of charge.
Q: Will there be satellite or digital television in the decant home?
A: We will make every effort to maintain your digital and satellite television supply in the decant home.
The improvement works
Q: Would it be possible to make alterations to the size of the bedrooms and bathrooms as part of the works?
A: No. We will not alter the size of the rooms in your home as part of the improvement works. If you wish to alter the size of the bedrooms or bathroom(s) in your home, you will need to contact your local housing office for an application form.
Q: If I have to move out of my home, what will happen to my flooring while the work is carried out?
A: Where needed qualified contractors will lift and remove your carpets and put them in storage. Once the work is complete your carpets will be re-laid by the contractors, as long as they are in a good condition.
If we are carrying out a full electrical rewire or installing a new heating system, you will need to lift any laminate or wood flooring upstairs.
We would also recommend that you lift any laminate or wood flooring downstairs too. Due to the improvement works needed we cannot guarantee that the flooring will not be damaged, even if the contractors put down protective coverings. If you refuse to lift the flooring you will have to sign a disclaimer.
Please speak to your Tenant Liaison Officer if you need more information.
Q: If my walls do not need structural work will I still need to move out?
A: We will need to make sure that the structure of your home is safe and all defects have been repaired before you move back in.
To make sure all structural repairs have been completed you may need to move out of your home. This is to make sure that any hidden defects can be identified.
Our Decent Homes team will give you any further information you need.
Q: Can I refuse the work?
A:As part of your tenancy agreement you cannot refuse essential planned improvement works. If you have any questions please speak to your Tenant Liaison Officer.
Q: If I have added an extension to my home will it be included in the improvement works?
A: Any extension that you have added to your home will be inspected by one of our structural engineers. If we find that the extension is unsafe then it will be removed.
If your extension is found to be safe and meets current building regulations then it will be included in the external insulation upgrade.
Once we have completed the survey of your home we will contact you with the findings.
Q: If we have put electrical sockets, switches and lighting in ourselves, will they be replaced?
A: As part of the Decent Homes programme we will agree the location of sockets and switches with you. If you would like any additional sockets and switches, these will only be installed under special circumstances.
Existing chrome fittings will be removed and replaced with standard switches. Any fittings that are removed will be securely stored and returned to you.
Any unsafe electrical work that you have carried out will be removed and we may charge you for doing this.
Q: Will my home be fully rewired?
A: We will test the condition of the wiring in your home. If it is found to be in a poor condition we will fully rewire your home.
Q: Will all my walls be plastered and painted?
A: All internal and external walls will be repaired where they have been affected by the improvement works.
We will let you know the specification of these repairs before the work starts.
Q: Will my internal porch door be replaced?
A: If you live in a non-traditional home with an internal porch door, this will not be replaced as part of the improvement works. However, if this door is affected by the removal of a window frame then the door will be replaced with an internal fire door.
Q: Will we get any compensation for the upheaval?
A: We will arrange and pay for your:
- Furniture to be removed and stored.
- Carpets lifted and relayed before you return home
- Washing machine and cooker to be disconnected and reconnected
- Post to be redirected to your decant home
For every room that is disturbed by the work we will give you a decoration allowance of £25 per room. This money will be given to you on a B&Q Decorating Card. You can find out more about the Decoration Assistance Scheme from your Tenant Liaison Officer, your local housing office or visit our website online.
If we fit a new kitchen or bathroom in your home these rooms will be fully decorated as part of the works. Therefore you will not receive a decoration allowance for these rooms.
Q: Can I go back and visit my home whilst the work is in progress?
A: Please do not try to visit your home whilst work is in progress.
Before your home is completed, one of our team will organise for you to visit your home. This is so you can measure up for any new curtains or carpets.
Q: Will my garden be protected?
A: During the improvement works we will protect your garden. However, due the external improvements we need to carry out, it is inevitable that there will be some disruption to your garden.
Once the work has been completed, we will arrange to visit all homes to repair any damage caused to the gardens.
Q: Will my block paved drive be protected?
A: Any block paving will be fully protected.
Q: Can I fix hanging basket brackets or a washing line hook to my home after the work has been completed?
A: Due to warranties, you must not fix anything to the outside of your home. If you need any more information about this please speak with your Tenant Liaison Officer.
When you move back into your home, you will be asked to sign a disclaimer as part of your tenancy agreement. If you cause any damage by fixing things to the outside of your home, we will charge you for any repairs needed.
When you return to your home there will be a facility for hanging out your washing.
