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Brighton council tenants- kitchen /bathroom survey?

Anyone had this done, for their home?


Not sure what to expect.. (council owns the building)
Long time away from MSE, been dealing real life stuff..
Sometimes seen lurking on the compers forum :-)

Comments

  • saraih
    saraih Posts: 263 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary
    Not in Brighton, but recently had this done. Some of my neighbours were deemed okay for one or the other, or just got bits and pieces replaced. I had the lot ripped out and completely redone, it definitely fit into the 30 years since replacement timeframe. Make sure to point out ANY faults with your current arrangement, no matter how small as they can miss them quite easily.

    Make sure to pack up everything and take photos of expensive stuff, because something will get broken or damaged and councils can be on the mean side of compensation.

    Try to be present while the work is being done, because if they're contracting out some will try to get away with shoddy work and you need to complain about it before it reverts back to the council's responsibility. One of my neighbours ended up with a radiator behind her fridge, then had to have a bathroom radiator moved as they fitted it when the door was open and then it wouldn't shut. Her laminate flooring was so badly fitted it had to be redone completely. The council won't care after a certain time but they will usually badger for corrections as they're being done.

    If you're being super nice and offering tea & biscuits etc you can get loads of extra bits and pieces done, I got a tumble dryer outlet fitted and some extra sockets, cupboards put in more convenient layouts, the work was done to a satisfactory level and a lot of the nightmare scenarios my neighbours had were avoided.

    If you're disabled get your OT or physio to tell them what you need before it starts.

    My council will deliver boxes free for packing up, will store expensive items if you have to decant for a time, and provide decorating vouchers if they don't redecorate themselves. Check this out beforehand as they will often deny all knowledge after the work is started.

    Also, they will leave at least the toilet and one cold tap overnight if you aren't decanting, but not the washer etc.

    They usually try to bang these out en masse as quickly as possible, but it's still a big upheaval. Just remember that this is probably it for 30 years and you may as well get it done right.
  • Anyone had this done, for their home?


    Not sure what to expect.. (council owns the building)

    I would say don't expect too much! I had a woman come round with a tick box sheet of paper... was here about 10 minutes. The 'survey' was to ascertain the age/condition of both the kitchen and bathroom. Apparently your kitchen has to be over 20 years old AND your bathroom over 30 in order to get EITHER one or the other replaced.

    I've already replaced my kitchen so don't get anything. Still, given the standard of the contractors work I'm not disappointed.

    HTH

    VB x
  • PS I would agree with saraih's post if you do have any work done. The actual workmen are very happy to help if you make their time with you pleasant. :)
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