Where will the temporary accommodation be located?
This will be within Ladywood House, unless you have a specific need which cannot be met within this temporary accommodation. If this is the case, we will look for alternatives, which do meet your needs.
Will the scheme manager remain in Ladywood?
Yes, the Sheltered Housing Support Officers (previously called Scheme Managers) will continue to provide the Sheltered Housing service.
Are doors being replaced?
Yes, the property entrance doors to all properties are being replaced as part of the works.
Will windows be replaced if needed?
Yes, where related to fire safety we will be replacing some windows.
Will cupboards be put in?
No, there are no plans to install any cupboards as part of these works.
Will I get a choice on fixtures and fittings?
When we meet with you to discuss your needs, you will be asked if you want a bath or low-level shower installed. If you need grab rails or other equipment installed to help you maintain your independence, we may be able to add these as part of the works.
Can I keep my toilet/tiles?
No, the works needed mean the whole bathroom will need to be replaced. If you have a specialist toilet related to a care and/or support need, we will visit you with an Occupational Therapist to ensure we provide suitable equipment for your needs.
Can the outside of the block be painted white as it looks tatty?
The works we are completing are limited to fire safety improvements; we can’t therefore repaint the outside of the building at this time.
What is a wet riser and why is it important?
A wet riser is a pipe running from the bottom floor of the building to the top floor, allowing the fire service to access water easily in the event of a fire, avoiding the need to try and run hoses from the ground floor.
How much of the wall will be tiled?
The area around the bath/shower (depending on your choice) will be tiled. A tiled splashback will also be added above your bathroom sink.
Will the pipes in the corridors be covered?
Yes, we have listened to your previous feedback and as part of these works the exposed sprinkler pipework in the communal corridors will be covered.
Cabling – is anything happening to it?
This will be covered along with the sprinkler pipework.
Will the pull cord units be replaced?
A new warden call system will be installed throughout the building. Some of the existing equipment may be reused where possible to minimise works needed in your home, but the system itself will be new.
Where will the pull cords be located?
Usually this would be in the same location they are now as moving them can damage the ceilings in your home. If you have a specific need for a pull cord in a certain area, we will work with you to understand this need and look for a resolution.
Bathrooms are cold – can heating be added?
We will provide heaters in all bathrooms.
Showers with pumps are loud – can they be avoided?
Where you have chosen a low-level shower to be installed, this will be an electric shower with a drainage pump.
Where is the asbestos? And how is it being removed?
The ventilation duct to be removed is hidden behind a wall in your bathroom. It is this duct which contains asbestos, which is safe if undisturbed but must be removed as part of our fire safety works. The contractor will be a specialist in handling asbestos and will ensure this is removed from the building safely.
Will the contractors use my electricity?
Whilst working in your property, the contractors will need to use the lights within your home but will not be using any of your plug sockets to power tools or equipment.
Will the fire alarms be working (esp. for deaf residents)?
There will be no changes to the fire alarm system, which will continue to work throughout.
Is the cost of the work worth it?
Absolutely, the works directly relate to improving resident safety and wellbeing and will allow Ladywood House to continue to provide council homes to people on our housing register into the future.
What will happen to my fish as they are difficult to move and need to be fed daily?
Where possible, we will arrange for you to be able to feed your fish. Where this isn’t possible, we will feed them on your behalf (as per your instructions).
Can the outside patio be reopened?
As part of the works, we are looking at the options available to allow use of the patio. We will update you as this progresses.
If the works create noisy disturbances which affect the use of the community room, we will look to make alternative provisions away from Ladywood House, should there be the need for a place for residents to socialise.