Home Upgrades & Improvements
As part of our planned maintenance programme, we upgrade heating systems, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows and electrics.
Our approach ensures that every improvement is carried out in a timely manner and to the highest standards, enhancing comfort, safety, and energy efficiency across your home.
By investing in these upgrades, we not only extend the lifespan of your property but also create healthier, more sustainable environments for residents. Each project is carefully scheduled to minimise disruption, with clear communication at every stage so you know exactly what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Not necessarily. We assess each home individually based on its condition and whether it meets the Decent Homes Standard.
- Kitchens: Over 20 years old and in poor condition
- Bathrooms: Over 30 years old and in poor condition
Surveys are carried out on a rolling programme. If you’d like to know the results of your last survey, please contact the Planned Maintenance Team.
Heating Upgrades
We carry out heating upgrades as part of our planned maintenance programme when systems reach the end of their lifecycle or become inefficient. In some cases, we may install a more energy-efficient system to help reduce energy costs and improve comfort.
- Gas Heating
We install combination boilers that heat water on demand. Heating is controlled via a programmer. - Oil Heating
We fit system boilers with a programmer and immersion tank for hot water. - Air Source Heat Pumps
These are increasingly used in rural areas for improved energy efficiency.
You’ll receive a full demonstration from the engineer, a written guide, and a video to help you operate your new system confidently.
Our surveyor will explain everything during their visit. You may be asked to:
- Remove breakables and furniture from work areas
- Lift 1st floor laminate flooring (we cannot reinstall or compensate for this)
- Clear loft space where work is planned
- Keep pets away from work areas
- Be mindful of trip hazards and tools
If you need help moving furniture, please let the surveyor know.
Installation takes at least 3 days
- We’ll use dust sheets and wear overshoes
- Carpets may be lifted and floorboards accessed
- Boilers will be placed in the most suitable location
- Oil tanks and bases may be replaced, which could affect your garden
- Exposed pipework may not be boxed in for future access
- We do not replace carpets or provide professional fitting
- Decoration may be affected, especially around radiators
- We aim to minimise disruption but cannot offer compensation for damage
- You’ll receive a full demonstration and instruction guide
- A post-installation inspection will be arranged
- You’ll be given a support contact number
- You may be invited to take part in a short satisfaction survey
Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades
If your kitchen or bathroom is found to be in poor condition during a Condition Survey, and meets the criteria of the Decent Homes Standard, your home will be added to our replacement programme.
- Kitchens: Must be over 20 years old and in poor condition
- Bathrooms: Must be over 30 years old and in poor condition
- In some cases, both may be upgraded at the same time
- You’ll receive a letter to confirm whether you’d like the work done
- Our contractor will contact you to arrange a survey and help you choose colours and finishes
- You’ll be given a start date and guidance on how to prepare
- Kitchen replacement: Approx. 12 working days
- Bathroom replacement: Approx. 7 working days
- If both are being replaced, they are usually done one at a time to ensure access to facilities
- You’ll always have access to water and a working toilet
- If your cooker is disconnected overnight, we’ll provide a portable cooker or microwave
All kitchens are supplied by Howdens using the Greenwich range:
- Units: Greenwich Light Oak or Greenwich Grey
- Worktops: Matt laminate in Oak or Black Granite
- Flooring: Non-slip vinyl in Cream or Grey
- Handles: Stainless steel effect
- Splashbacks: 100mm white tiles or aquaboard.
- Extractor fan: Humidistat type
- Paint: Emulsion finish
- Houses: Full replacement including bath, basin, WC, and over-bath shower
- Bungalows/Ground Floor Flats: Fitted with Level Access Showers
- Flooring: Non-slip vinyl in Cream or Grey
- Extractor fan: Humidistat type
- Paint: Emulsion finish
- Toilet access: Always made available at the end of each working day
External Door Upgrades
We’re working through a programme to replace all original timber doors with composite, Secure by Design doors. These upgrades improve security, energy efficiency, and durability across our homes. The new external doors are installed at the main entrance to the building itself—not at the entrance to any unheated porch or outbuilding.
If your property is due for an upgrade, we’ll send you a letter at the start of the year explaining the process.
- Our door contractor will contact you to choose the style and colour of your new door (where possible)
- Your current door will be measured and manufactured
- Once ready, we’ll arrange a fitting appointment
If your current timber or GRP door is in very poor condition (e.g. not lockable, split), please contact us to request an inspection. We’ll assess whether urgent action or remedial repairs are needed.
No. These doors are Secure by Design and cannot be altered. Installing a cat flap will result in a recharge for the full cost of replacing the door.
You will receive 3 keys. Please note that only doors that lead directly from the outside into a habitable room will be upgraded. Doors to outhouses and porches are not included.
Replacement Windows
We’re prioritising the replacement of remaining wooden windows (where planning restrictions allow) with PVC-u framed, triple glazed units. These windows are internally beaded, fitted with security handles and locking mechanisms, and exceed current Building Regulations with a minimum energy rating.
We also replace older PVC-u windows with more modern systems, based on their condition, age, and repairability, in line with the Decent Homes Standard.
Windows generally need to be over 30 years old and in poor condition to qualify for replacement.
- If your home is on the replacement programme, you’ll receive a letter to confirm whether you’d like the work done
- Our contractor will contact you to arrange a window survey
- Once manufactured, we’ll schedule a fitting date and advise you on how to prepare
- Typically 3–5 working days, depending on the number of windows and your external wall finish
- Remove curtains, blinds, and ornaments from window areas
- Ensure clear access to windows both inside and outside
- We take care to minimise damage
- Any gaps between the new frame and existing plaster/window boards will be covered with a white quadrant trim
Electric Rewires & Upgrades
We carry out electrical rewires and upgrades following a periodic electrical safety check. This work is essential to ensure your home meets current regulations and remains safe.
Rewiring may affect every room in your home and typically takes up to 3 days to complete.
- If your home is due for rewiring, you’ll receive a letter from us
- We will arrange a survey to assess your home and advise what needs to be moved to allow access
- Electricians will need access to floorboards, walls, and roof space
- Laminate flooring and fitted carpets may need to be lifted
Rewiring makes sure your electrics are safe and compliant. Homes that do not complete this work may experience delays in planned maintenance or repairs.