A friend who lives in a council flat up Gleadless Valley has received a letter from the council saying that at the end of this month they'd like to come round and fit a new bathroom and kitchen. Apparently it's not just him, it's the whole council house stock that they're doing.

While he's pleased at getting his place modernised he's concerned about the inevitable disruption caused. Can anyone who's had theirs done help with his concerns, namely;

1. Approximately how long does the work take?
2. Are you able to continue to live there while the work is being done? If so how do you go on without toilet or washing facilities?
3. Do you have to move your large goods such as cooker and fridge out of the property? If so do the council offer storage facilities?
4. Do you get a rent reduction if you have to move out for, say, a month?

I'm sure there must already be a thread somewhere about this but I can't find one.

I'm working up there now.

Henry Boots have the contract.

Sheffield Council have cut back money big time by the sounds of things, because Henry Boots are only doing things that are nessacary [no extras], Most you will have to wait for completion is probably 3-4 weeks.

Yes. to moving all valubles and tables and stuff. Yes, theres quite abit of dust in the air.

Once all is finished, it looks nice. I don't think you get a rent reduction

The theory:

http://www.sheffieldhomes.org.uk/decent-homes/improving-your-home

We had our work done last year and ours took 7 weeks but we had our central heating and windows done as well as the kitchen and bathroom. You are able to live in it whilst it is being done although we didn't. It will be very dusty. Your friend will have to move kitchen appliances and the rest of the things in the kitchen but if struggling then I am sure the contractor will help as they did us. It looks nice when done but your friend will suffer for it temporarily. Don't think there would be any rent reduction.

Our kitchen has been done, still waiting for bathroom to be started on. We emptied the kitchen except for cooker and washer. They give you a work plan, each trade comes and does thier bit then signs it off, its inspected everyday, Lisa is good with liaison but dont expect her to return calls! They provide boxes and try to clean up as much as poss after each day, its dusty, noisy but worth it. Best thing to do is let them get on with it, ours took 15 days, 2 bed maisonette. Also got a new front front door.

NO I have to do my own.. and pay a mortgage

NO I have to do my own.. and pay a mortgage

WEll you are lucky that you aren't so disabled you can't pay a mortgage like me then!

Neighbour just had it done - were done in a week with new everything, including central heating, kitchen etc

NO I have to do my own.. and pay a mortgage

Poor you. Always one.

NO I have to do my own.. and pay a mortgage

I think you'll find you chose to have a mortgage.

Must be nice for those who have such luxuries :)

I'm working up there now.

Henry Boots have the contract.

Sheffield Council have cut back money big time by the sounds of things, because Henry Boots are only doing things that are nessacary [no extras], Most you will have to wait for completion is probably 3-4 weeks.

Yes. to moving all valubles and tables and stuff. Yes, theres quite abit of dust in the air.

Once all is finished, it looks nice. I don't think you get a rent reduction

You sure about that? According to my friend, the company doing the work is Lovell. I've found out a bit more on the link below, but it doesn't really answer my friend's questions from the first post.

http://www.sheffieldhomes.org.uk/decent-homes

well i was working just off blackstock, up near water tower.

defo Henry Boots whos there.

I think you'll find you chose to have a mortgage.

Must be nice for those who have such luxuries :)


... and must be nice for the others to have the tax-payer foot the bill :suspect:

I had a phone call from Sheffield Homes Investment Team this morning, asking what work has been done so far for the Decent Homes Scheme.

I think the lass thought I was telling porkies when I said nothing had been done. She asked me whether my central heating and boiler system was an old one - I told her I had only a gas fire and emersion heater and no central heating or boiler. She also seemed a bit stunned when I said there was no connection point for a washing machine or gas cooker, and the electric cooker point was situated infront of the kitchen units so was inaccessible.

After stating that double glazing would be installed and a shower in the bathroom (as I'm disabled and struggle severely with the bath), she said someone would be in touch in due course.

Personally I'm thrilled as the last I heard I'd be waiting til 2012!

I had a phone call from Sheffield Homes Investment Team this morning, asking what work has been done so far for the Decent Homes Scheme.


Do "Sheffield Homes Investment Team" often use an acronym for short?

Do "Sheffield Homes Investment Team" often use an acronym for short?

OMG! I never noticed that before, Basil! :o :hihi:

i was also told this about 6 weeks ago by phone... as yet i have heard NOTHING and I rang them up and there was NO record of any phone call, as you can tell i am fuming

i was also told this about 6 weeks ago by phone... as yet i have heard NOTHING and I rang them up and there was NO record of any phone call, as you can tell i am fuming

Hmmm I'll not get my hopes up then.......

I've just had mine finished and it wasn't too bad. I've heard horror stories, but apart from the odd snags here and there (face it you won't get perfection) it went quite smoothly.
They always make sure you have washing facilities, although you do go without a cooker or a washing machine for about three weeks, but the new bathroom suite goes in on the same day the old one comes out.
All in all I can't praise them enough, they were a lovely bunch of lads that did my work.

Another thing I can pass on is that your friend will be provided with as many boxes and dust sheets as he requires also as much bubble wrap as he could ever need.

my mom had her ground floor flat in Stocksbridge done in November -from start to finish it took 4 weeks ,and they did a lovely job .

Another thing I can pass on is that your friend will be provided with as many boxes and dust sheets as he requires also as much bubble wrap as he could ever need.

My brother and sister-in-law had their home upgraded last year, and they were provided with something like three small boxes for all their kitchen crockery, cutlery, pans etc. Very insufficient.

Incidentally, has anyone had a flat done which has a front door opening out into a communal stairwell?

I've been advised that my front door won't be replaced due to it's location. This is despite a howling gale blowing round it in the winter.

... and must be nice for the others to have the tax-payer foot the bill :suspect:

As the council own the properties then the council are responsible for any upkeep to those properties.

I would assume any landlord is responsible for their properties upkeep, thats what part of the tennants rent goes towards.

My brother and sister-in-law had their home upgraded last year, and they were provided with something like three small boxes for all their kitchen crockery, cutlery, pans etc. Very insufficient.

I just told them I needed more and the brought me a dozen large boxes. It was that simple.

I just told them I needed more and the brought me a dozen large boxes. It was that simple.

They asked repeatedly but were told there were none available.

They asked repeatedly but were told there were none available.

That's cause Mojo nicked the whole supply!

They asked repeatedly but were told there were none available.

Well they must have changed policy then, I ended up with more than I needed.
Sorry they struggled, but I can only go on how great they were with me.

That's cause Mojo nicked the whole supply!

*punches Basil and puts him in a spare box*


Mine was this year, they only finished a few weeks ago, they must have got new suppliers :hihi:

Well they must have changed policy then, I ended up with more than I needed.
Sorry they struggled, but I can only go on how great they were with me.

Absolutely! I couldn't agree more.

I've heard many varied experiences of the Decent Homes Scheme work being done. As there's more than one contractor involved, and different Liaison Officers, differing opinions are bound to exist.

Absolutely! I couldn't agree more.

I've heard many varied experiences of the Decent Homes Scheme work being done. As there's more than one contractor involved, and different Liaison Officers, differing opinions are bound to exist.

Plus I think as time has gone on and they've worked in more peoples homes they've learnt more about what peoples needs will be and how to meet them.

This is prob rotherham council but just off the M1 between jn 35 and 34 heading south theres some homes being done by henry boot there. Just thought i'd let you know!

Some of us had no choice but to get a mortgage as Sheffield Homes were otherwise perfectly happy leaving us sleeping on relatives floors / sofas (they were with me). I'd have loved a council flat, would have been much more affordable than actually buying one and atleast then once the work had been done I'd have had working central heating, a properly fitted kitchen and safe and up-to-date wiring throughout the house unlike the 60 year old, sub-standard crap I have to live with now.

How can the council afford to do up all these houses? i thought we were in Reccession? is that why my council tax bill has risen slightly this year?

I think you'll find you chose to have a mortgage.

Must be nice for those who have such luxuries :)

Is that instead of living in a council house all my life? I chose to leave a coucil house as i was on benefits then, got a job and felt that I should not be in it. I appreciate not everyone sees it that way but I do. I thought social housing was for those who needed assistance and were on a certain income when they were using the housing. Was social housing meant to be for life? Not trying to get people arguing or anything but a genuine question as I know of many people who are earning enough to either rent privately or have a mortgage but the council rent is so cheap I guess it makes sense to stay but I still have the question about whether the housing was designed to help those who need it. In other countries social housing is income based all the way and not just when you first got the place.

1. Approximately how long does the work take?
Took about a month to do the bulk of work on my 1 bed flat (new windows, rewiring, new bathroom, new kitchen, some plastering work).

2. Are you able to continue to live there while the work is being done?
I went to work at a friends house (normally I work from home) so I can't say what it's like while the work is actually being done, but yes, I came back in the evening and ate/washed/slept there.

If so how do you go on without toilet or washing facilities?
Never lost them. True the kitchen sink was left supported on its own (no cupboard beneath it) but it was still usable. All the other stuff was switched around in a day.

3. Do you have to move your large goods such as cooker and fridge out of the property? If so do the council offer storage facilities?
I moved some stuff into the living room, but the workmen would move the cooker, disconnecting and reconnecting as required.

4. Do you get a rent reduction if you have to move out for, say, a month?
The council used to offer temp accommodation for people who felt that they had to move out.


Answers in bold.

I thought social housing was for those who needed assistance and were on a certain income

In the days when social housing was more plentiful, I guess it was considered "for life". These days, maybe this isn't quote so black and white.

My own view is that I pay the full rent the council asks of me, keep the place in good order (including spending money on upgrading the walls, fixing the floorboards etc.) and don't cause any nuisance to fellow tenants.

If Sheffield Homes were to decide that I earn too much to live in my flat and evict me, that's fair enough, it's their property. If they then moved in a crack head or two who trashes the place and cause nothing but bother to the neighbours, well that's their business too, although I can't help feeling that such estates as mine would benefit from more tenants such as myself, not fewer.

(Apologies if I come across as blowing my own trumpet. :))

Incidentally, has anyone had a flat done which has a front door opening out into a communal stairwell?

I've been advised that my front door won't be replaced due to it's location. This is despite a howling gale blowing round it in the winter.

I have the same problem, and I tried to get a new front door, and was given the tale that as it's not an external door, it doesn't need sorting. Nevermind that my door is next to the window which ALL the neighbours seem to keep opening. I have had to resort to a door curtain to try and curb the "gale" that blows through.

Yes - I'm disabled.
Yes - my only income is Incapacity Benefit and I'm also eligible for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Yes - I'm a Sheffield Homes Tenant.
Yes - I hope to be a life-long tenant.

My key motivation for wanting to become a "Council" tenant is the long tenancy. I've experienced, as have friends and family, the stress and frustration of only having 6 months or one year in a privately rented property before being given your marching orders.

Due to my medical conditions, I need security and consistency, and Sheffield Homes provides that, along with affordable rent rates.

I have the same problem, and I tried to get a new front door, and was given the tale that as it's not an external door, it doesn't need sorting. Nevermind that my door is next to the window which ALL the neighbours seem to keep opening. I have had to resort to a door curtain to try and curb the "gale" that blows through.

I've had to put Sellotape over the key hole to cut down on the cold air blasting through.

I too have neighbours who don't think and open the windows as wide as they'll go in all weathers. They forget that they have double glazed and uPVC doors and windows throughout, whereas I don't.

I think you'll find you chose to have a mortgage.

Must be nice for those who have such luxuries :)

Do you not choose to live in a council house. We all have choices:huh:

In the days when social housing was more plentiful, I guess it was considered "for life". These days, maybe this isn't quote so black and white.

My own view is that I pay the full rent the council asks of me, keep the place in good order (including spending money on upgrading the walls, fixing the floorboards etc.) and don't cause any nuisance to fellow tenants.

If Sheffield Homes were to decide that I earn too much to live in my flat and evict me, that's fair enough, it's their property. If they then moved in a crack head or two who trashes the place and cause nothing but bother to the neighbours, well that's their business too, although I can't help feeling that such estates as mine would benefit from more tenants such as myself, not fewer.

(Apologies if I come across as blowing my own trumpet. :))

So you could afford to private rent or purchase your own property but instead you fill up a much needed council/social property. Is that not a little selfish? There are people in need of properties who cant afford alternatives but cant have a property because there isnt enough supply. Do the right thing and free it up.

Yes - I'm disabled.
Yes - my only income is Incapacity Benefit and I'm also eligible for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Yes - I'm a Sheffield Homes Tenant.
Yes - I hope to be a life-long tenant.

My key motivation for wanting to become a "Council" tenant is the long tenancy. I've experienced, as have friends and family, the stress and frustration of only having 6 months or one year in a privately rented property before being given your marching orders.

Due to my medical conditions, I need security and consistency, and Sheffield Homes provides that, along with affordable rent rates.



Fair enough. I do however think it is important not to use disability as a broad reason as there is a big scale of disability where people don't need assistance to the other end where people certainly do and because they have such difficulty in finding employment when they really want to or simply can not, then fair enough.

Disability isnt an excuse for not working. There are plenty of people who have a disability that want to further themselves instead of floundering around at home doing bugger all.

Everybody wants security of tenure. A lot of people though cant get that. They live with it and get on with it.

How can the council afford to do up all these houses? i thought we were in Reccession? is that why my council tax bill has risen slightly this year?

The council is not paying for the work that is why. They have received grants from EU funding that has to spent before 2010 or it has to be given back.

The council is not paying for the work that is why. They have received grants from EU funding that has to spent before 2010 or it has to be given back.

And where does the money for the EU grants come from?

And where does the money for the EU grants come from?

well i hope you never get sick one day and are needy with those ignorant and right wing views. You might have to stick to your principles

Disability isnt an excuse for not working. There are plenty of people who have a disability that want to further themselves instead of floundering around at home doing bugger all.

Everybody wants security of tenure. A lot of people though cant get that. They live with it and get on with it.

Please highlight where in my posts I have stated that disability is an excuse for not working?

In which post did I declare a lack of enthusiasm for furthering myself?

At which point did I state that I flounder around at home doing bugger all?

Please indicate how you acquired knowledge of and expertise in my medical condition, providing you with the ability to know my limitations better than I do myself.

Yes, some disabled people are extremely fortunate in being able to adapt in order to seek employment. I am not that fortunate.

Please consider what you say before making blanket statements.