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Oh heck
Comments
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OK, so there's a tiny little problem.
The flat has a small gas leak. The gas guy needs to fix it 'sometime next week', he won't know until Monday what his schedule is and when he'll be able to fit it in.
I can't help thinking that this should have been checked a bit earlier than 4.15pm the working day before I'm due to move in.
I'm also not happy with the 'cleaning' that's been done, there's loads of dirt and muck in the edges of the floors, brown stains on some of the radiators, and random white patches in the walls where they've filled in holes, plastered over and just left it.
I know I'm responsible for internal decoration, but come on - they hired a cleaner and he didn't even wipe down the rads!
There's also a door that sticks and won't close properly. Not sure if I can report it or if it's for me to deal with.
Also found out that they want to do a check out visit on the old place at the end of next week. Obviously I'll fail. I'm a bit ticked off about that, because I asked for help with my hoarding in February, and they promised all sorts. I'd have help getting rid of the furniture items that need to be got rid of, someone was supposed to come out monthly to check my progress and help me set targets, I was supposed to get support in organising for charities to collect stuff, and loads more I've forgotten now. None of it happened. I've just been left to muddle along on my own, and now I've been reported again and they're kicking up a fuss. It just feels like a real kick in the teeth.
Sorry, just needed to rant about that.
I have had good news about the utility meters though, they can be changed for free if I go with British Gas. I'd rather not go with them but apparantly I can switch after getting them done.
But at least while I was waiting for the gas guy to come I took every measurement I could think of. I even drew a scale floorplan and cut little squares of paper that were to scale for furniture and played around with it (fuzzy felt was one of my favourites as a kid!). Then I used scarves to mark out varous furniture combinations on the floor.
Simple things and all that.Unless I say otherwise 'you' means the general you not you specifically.0 -
Congratulations on deciding to take the tenancy, Ames. This will soon be all behind you.
I love the image you gave of reading a book in a snuggly way - what a thing to look forward to doing again!0 -
Make sure the landlord knows about this. You clearly cannot move in before this is fixed, nor can you do much there before they've fixed it (although I assume they've turned off the gas at the mains, so at least you can use electricity).OK, so there's a tiny little problem.
The flat has a small gas leak. The gas guy needs to fix it 'sometime next week', he won't know until Monday what his schedule is and when he'll be able to fit it in.
I agree, and you should point this out to the landlord.I can't help thinking that this should have been checked a bit earlier than 4.15pm the working day before I'm due to move in.
I agree, and again I would point this out to them: you do not know what those brown stains are, and given the previous use of the flat ...I'm also not happy with the 'cleaning' that's been done, there's loads of dirt and muck in the edges of the floors, brown stains on some of the radiators, and random white patches in the walls where they've filled in holes, plastered over and just left it.
I know I'm responsible for internal decoration, but come on - they hired a cleaner and he didn't even wipe down the rads
The plastering is probably not something to make a fuss about although there's no reason not to point it out.
There will be a list somewhere of what they do and don't deal with, BUT I'd report everything at this stage because you're more likely to get it fixed now than in a few months, IMO.There's also a door that sticks and won't close properly. Not sure if I can report it or if it's for me to deal with.
Again, write and request a postponement, giving all the reasons why it's not reasonable.Also found out that they want to do a check out visit on the old place at the end of next week. Obviously I'll fail. I'm a bit ticked off about that, because I asked for help with my hoarding in February, and they promised all sorts. I'd have help getting rid of the furniture items that need to be got rid of, someone was supposed to come out monthly to check my progress and help me set targets, I was supposed to get support in organising for charities to collect stuff, and loads more I've forgotten now. None of it happened. I've just been left to muddle along on my own, and now I've been reported again and they're kicking up a fuss. It just feels like a real kick in the teeth.
Sorry, just needed to rant about that.
Will your housing support worker help with working through that, or have you got another support worker who could do that with you?
Both good things indeed.I have had good news about the utility meters though, they can be changed for free if I go with British Gas. I'd rather not go with them but apparantly I can switch after getting them done.
But at least while I was waiting for the gas guy to come I took every measurement I could think of. I even drew a scale floorplan and cut little squares of paper that were to scale for furniture and played around with it (fuzzy felt was one of my favourites as a kid!). Then I used scarves to mark out varous furniture combinations on the floor.
Simple things and all that.
Keep plugging away, and glad the declutterer sounds good! And that your clutter isn't as bad as you thought it was!Signature removed for peace of mind0 -
Hello Ames - fond this on chance glance for another place:-)
Have only come across you on another Thread[and had commented on your good post there], so your own positive shift news is good to read.
One thing struck me further back - join freecycle. org for your unwanted items straight away and even for your wants, when you've had enough time in new place to think 'Now, I DO need...blahblah'
Another sure way to lose items is to place them outside, with a 'free to take away' notice, unless you fear unwanted prowlers or callers asking what else you have to dispose of.
Have you checked out ebico[with freephone] for utilities?
https://www.ebico.org.uk/
and, of course, mse energy club:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub
If it must be BG,ask for their confirming letter[em would do]re:free changeover.
Read their t's and c's on subsequent changeover to be very, very certain you're not shackled to them for any qualifying period before changing.
It's also wise for you to submit[take pics if poss.]your own closing readings for leccie, gas, water at old place, with simultaneous action at new.
From #93, I'd make an insistent case for re-setting the clock and make benefits advisor/support worker aware. She can add weight to your need for extension
- on old place check,
- on new place notified move-in date dependant on repairs: sticking door, removal of noxious stains on health grounds, police safety visit,
- on new place post-gas leak, because another safety check will have to be done, chewing up more on-site prep.time.
In sum, no tenancy date, no vacation date, no dual HB dates can be fixed or limited until these matters are remedied.
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MAIL REDIRECTION.
Inferring a few fatal weaknesses shared, I do attempt No More Books days, at which I gloriously fail as always. Sub-set to this are No More Plants days.
My hoarding=my stock>Spitalfields most Thursdays. but I luckily acquired wonderful, hidden, cheap, nearby rural overspill storage a year ago. Carboots, auctions, jumbles, fêtes, CS's are my hunt'n'gather grounds.
A month in, decide on a single 'special to Ames' gift to self, symbolic of move and new beginnings, knowing that each use/view/thought of this, will be a reinforcing pleasure.
Bon courage, bonne chance.
#
apologies to savvy sue for cross-posting.CAP[UK]for FREE EXPERT DEBT &BUDGET HELP:
01274 760721, freephone0800 328 0006'People don't want much. They want: "Someone to love, somewhere to live, somewhere to work and something to hope for."
Norman Kirk, NZLP- Prime Minister, 1972
***JE SUIS CHARLIE***
'It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere' François-Marie AROUET
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No need for apologies, you've covered a fair bit of extra ground.apologies to savvy sue for cross-posting.
And it reminds me, I meant to say, you may be heading for a formal complaint. How to make one will be on their website. You should be able to do it by phone, letter or email. But as you don't like making phone calls, the other two ways are available. If you could manage to phone and ask for their complaints policy, they'd have to log it straight away, and they have timescales for responding.
Signature removed for peace of mind0 -
Make sure the landlord knows about this. You clearly cannot move in before this is fixed, nor can you do much there before they've fixed it (although I assume they've turned off the gas at the mains, so at least you can use electricity). I hope they've turned the gas off!
I agree, and you should point this out to the landlord.
I agree, and again I would point this out to them: you do not know what those brown stains are, and given the previous use of the flat ... I'll write to them about it I think. I need to write and ask permission to have the meters changed anyway. I'll drop the letters into the housing office by hand.
The plastering is probably not something to make a fuss about although there's no reason not to point it out.
There will be a list somewhere of what they do and don't deal with, BUT I'd report everything at this stage because you're more likely to get it fixed now than in a few months, IMO. Will do. It's quite an important door from a fire safety point of view, so having it stick halfway between fully open and fully closed is an issue.
Again, write and request a postponement, giving all the reasons why it's not reasonable.
Will your housing support worker help with working through that, or have you got another support worker who could do that with you? My advisor's dealing with it. He seems pretty adamant not to let the visit happen next week, and he likes arguing!
Both good things indeed.
Keep plugging away, and glad the declutterer sounds good! And that your clutter isn't as bad as you thought it was!Hello Ames - fond this on chance glance for another place:-)
Have only come across you on another Thread[and had commented on your good post there], so your own positive shift news is good to read.
One thing struck me further back - join freecycle. org for your unwanted items straight away and even for your wants, when you've had enough time in new place to think 'Now, I DO need...blahblah' I am on Freegle, I tried giving away a couple of chests of drawers to someone requesting them but they didn't reply. Although that's probably a good thing because one of them fell apart when I was moving it.
Another sure way to lose items is to place them outside, with a 'free to take away' notice, unless you fear unwanted prowlers or callers asking what else you have to dispose of. I've had some stuff outside for a couple of weeks but none of it's gone. But only residents will be going past because the front of my house is a pedestrianised squar. The back of the flat is council ground and if I put stuff there it'd be flytipping.
Have you checked out ebico[with freephone] for utilities?
https://www.ebico.org.uk/ Apparantly there's a company called energy angels contracted by the council. They phoned my advisor and he said they were brilliant.
and, of course, mse energy club:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub
If it must be BG,ask for their confirming letter[em would do]re:free changeover.
Read their t's and c's on subsequent changeover to be very, very certain you're not shackled to them for any qualifying period before changing. Will do. Although even if I'm tied to them for a year it'll probably be worth it financially to save the £100 meter removal costs.
It's also wise for you to submit[take pics if poss.]your own closing readings for leccie, gas, water at old place, with simultaneous action at new. Will do. The council guy took meter readings at the new place while I was there and wrote it on the official forms.
From #93, I'd make an insistent case for re-setting the clock and make benefits advisor/support worker aware. She can add weight to your need for extension
- on old place check, He's on to it.
- on new place notified move-in date dependant on repairs: sticking door, removal of noxious stains on health grounds, police safety visit, Not sure that's possible - I've signed the tenancy so it's up to me when I move in.
- on new place post-gas leak, because another safety check will have to be done, chewing up more on-site prep.time. That's the annoying thing, especially since they just give a time of morning or afternoon. Lots of hanging around.
In sum, no tenancy date, no vacation date, no dual HB dates can be fixed or limited until these matters are remedied. I'll speak to my advisor. By the time I got home after the gas check on Friday his office was closed, I imagine he'll have lots to say about the email I sent with the latest info.
#
MAIL REDIRECTION.
Inferring a few fatal weaknesses shared, I do attempt No More Books days, at which I gloriously fail as always. Sub-set to this are No More Plants days.
My hoarding=my stock>Spitalfields most Thursdays. but I luckily acquired wonderful, hidden, cheap, nearby rural overspill storage a year ago. Carboots, auctions, jumbles, fêtes, CS's are my hunt'n'gather grounds. I have just realised that central heating radiators mean less space for bookcases:rotfl:
A month in, decide on a single 'special to Ames' gift to self, symbolic of move and new beginnings, knowing that each use/view/thought of this, will be a reinforcing pleasure. Already got it planned! There's a type of ornament I collect and I'll buy one to commemorate the move. I should be able to afford one of the expensive ones with all the cashback I'll be getting from everything I need to do - Carpetright give 10% through Quidco!
Bon courage, bonne chance.
#
apologies to savvy sue for cross-posting.No need for apologies, you've covered a fair bit of extra ground.
And it reminds me, I meant to say, you may be heading for a formal complaint. How to make one will be on their website. You should be able to do it by phone, letter or email. But as you don't like making phone calls, the other two ways are available. If you could manage to phone and ask for their complaints policy, they'd have to log it straight away, and they have timescales for responding.
Depending what my advisor says on Monday I'll probably go in and report it in person. I imagine that'll be the same as over the phone re logging it straight away?
Cost wise it's looking like I can do all the essential stuff without taking the credit union loan. That's dependent on whether the declutterer wants payment upfront or if she'll invoice afterwards.
The other big cost is the handyman. £300 to put together a bed, three bookcases, and put up four curtain poles and six shelves seems excessive to me. I think I'll just give away the flat pack stuff and buy second hand ready assembled on ebay, it'll be cheaper. The shelves and especially the curtain poles I'm going to try and do myself. Most of the curtain poles are only going to be about a metre so shouldn't be too heavy. And I can do them really gradually whenever I have good days. And even do it in stages - drill one day, put up the next, put the curtains up after that.Unless I say otherwise 'you' means the general you not you specifically.0 -
It is, with power tools he'd do that lot in a short day. I suspect he's quoted that figure because he doesn't want the job.The other big cost is the handyman. £300 to put together a bed, three bookcases, and put up four curtain poles and six shelves seems excessive to me..................
....I'm smiling because I have no idea what's going on ...:)0 -
It is, with power tools he'd do that lot in a short day. I suspect he's quoted that figure because he doesn't want the job.
He charges per item.
This is the full quote:
As a guide for prices you would be in the region of £44.00 for assembling bed, £22.00 to 33.00 for bookcases depending on size of them, £15 to 18.00 per shelf and curtain rail depending on type of wall
Painting per average size rooms £135.00 to 150.00 depending on furniture in room not including paints,only use crown or dulux, doors would be £15.00 - 18.00 per side depending on type
I think only sky would be the way for dish as it is their equipment
Presuming dishwasher was next to sink around £65.00 labour and materials
It seems really high for the furniture but low for the painting and dishwasher.
Based on how long I took to do stuff when I was able to, without power tools and not knowing what I was doing, he should get the furniture done in two or three hours. Whereas the painting is a full day job?
I emailed someone else for a quote but didn't hear back. I think I'll try looking on yell.com rather than the council care and repair directory.Unless I say otherwise 'you' means the general you not you specifically.0 -
Agree with you on the time it takes to knock together flatpack furniture.
re the painting - £18/22 to paint one side of a door is bonkers.
IIRC there's a Handywoman service in the Leeds area, sorry haven't got a link......................I'm smiling because I have no idea what's going on ...:)0 -
As long as you use the work 'complaint', it should be ... However I think it's worth having a list of everything you are complaining about.Depending what my advisor says on Monday I'll probably go in and report it in person. I imagine that'll be the same as over the phone re logging it straight away?
I realise you've signed the tenancy agreement, but I don't see how you can move in before the gas leak is sorted. Therefore there's an argument for changing the start date of the tenancy. See if your adviser agrees with you - sounds like you've got a good one there!Signature removed for peace of mind0
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