The following is a general guide to the works, which will include:
- electrical check of all switches, sockets and light pendants and main fuse box
- renewal of electrical wiring if necessary
- renewal, and if necessary repositioning, of switches, sockets, light pendants and main fuse box
- renewal of kitchen units
- renewal of sink and taps
- renewal of worktops
- electrical rewiring and repositioning of sockets in kitchen, if necessary, to suit the tenant's white goods such as a cooker or washing machine
- installation of vinyl flooring in kitchen and bathroom
- three course of tiling above worktops, usually from worktops to underside of wall units
- renewal of bath or shower including proprietary wet wall panelling, subject to an assessment
- renewal of wash hand basin, subject to an assessment
- renewal of toilet and cistern, subject to an assessment
During this work there will be disruption to your home as these are major works including plumbing, and if necessary, full house electrical rewiring. Every effort will be made to keep disturbances to a minimum.
Kitchen improvements
There may be some changes to the layout of your kitchen. You will get a choice of four different colour schemes for kitchen drawer fronts and doors. There will also be a limited choice of the colour for any ceramic tiles or splashbacks. This will be explained to you by a team leader or supervisor before the work begins.
Depending on the layout of your new kitchen, radiator heaters may have to be repositioned and your central heating may have to be switched off during this time.
Taps or mixer unit
Any taps or mixer unit fitted to an existing sink that you wish to keep can be refitted by the contractor, but the responsibility for its future maintenance will remain with yourself. However, if the taps or mixer unit does not meet current regulations or British Safety Standards they will not be fitted and standard accessories will be used.
Showers
If you currently have a shower installed, this can be refitted as part of the upgrade assuming that it meets all regulations and British Safety Standards. The responsibility for future maintenance will remain with yourself. All parts for removal that are owned by the householder will be offered to them and only disposed of by the contractor if rejected by the householder.
Water supply
Your water supply will be turned off at periods to allow installation. You will have to make alternative arrangements for drinking water, domestic water and toilet provisions during this time.
Access to your home
Contractors will need access to your home to allow this work to be undertaken and will include:
- asbestos contractor – check asbestos, artex and carry out any removal if found necessary
- Scottish Power – to install an isolator switch to allow the electrical works to proceed
- team leader or supervisor – to measure and design the kitchen with your choices included
- East Ayrshire Council delivery team – to carry out the installation of the kitchen, bathroom, rewiring as necessary
Could you please provide our Housing Asset Services Programme Team access details such as a contact phone number and times you can be contacted.
Contractors' responsibilities
Contractor responsibilities include:
- notice of works – the contractor must give you a minimum of seven days notice in writing of the date the works will commence in your home
- contacts – the contractor must provide a contact person, telephone numbers and an emergency contact number for out with working hours
- carpets and furniture – it is the contractors responsibility to lift floor coverings and remove and replace heavy furniture to allow the works to be carried out - see also your responsibilities listed below
- tidiness – the contractor is required to protect your home by using clean dust sheets and also clean and brush up after each operation
- floorboards – the contractor will ensure that any lifted floorboards are not left up overnight and that all required warning signs are displayed - the contractor will screw down all lifted floorboards on completion of the works
- working hours – the contractor can only work in homes between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, unless with the permission of both the householders and the Council
- identification – the contractors employees and council employees will all carry identification and they must show it to you before entering your home
- insurance - the contractor carries all required insurance, however it is recommended that you have your own insurance to represent you in any claim or dispute and advisable to take all reasonable measures to protect your belongings from accidental damage
Your responsibilities
It is your responsibility to:
- allow access for the works
- remove all bathroom accessories such as mirrors, pictures, toothbrushes and toilet roll holders
- empty any furniture to be moved, empty any cupboards required for access and remove light articles and ornaments to a safe location - if you are unable to carry this out please phone our Housing Asset Services Programme Team who will arrange for an officer to visit to discuss this
- take responsibility for carpets, laminated flooring or vinyl that is glued or nailed down and cannot be lifted by the contractor without the expectation of damage - it may be lifted at the request of the occupier using all possible care but not recompense for damage will be paid
- notify our Housing Asset Services Programme Team of any unavoidable access problems such as holidays or hospital appointments
- advise visitors and members of the household that the works are taking place and to exercise the care required to avoid accidents
- notify our Housing Asset Services Programme Team of any elderly, infirm and or disabled persons who will need special consideration and possible respite care while the works are being carried out
Equipment and adaptions
If you or a member of your household has a physical or medical need for a special bathing aid such as a wet floor shower, please contact Social Services for a referral to an Occupational Therapist who will carry out an assessment. Please apply for an assessment as soon as possible to avoid any delay in the works being carried out.
Please also advise our Housing Asset Services Programme Team of your intention to apply for an assessment. Our offices are open from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm, and Friday from 9am to 4pm. In case of emergency out with these office hours, please contact our emergency helpline below.
For more information and how to apply visit Equipment and adaptations.