Sarah Robinson House building safety improvements

Will the TA be the same size as my current property?

In general, yes, as these will be one-bedroom flats

If you live in a two-bedroom property, we will work with you to understand you/your households needs to determine if a larger temporary accommodation property is needed

Where will the TA 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 I return to my home once work to my flat is complete?

Yes, the intention is for residents to return to their homes once the works are complete.

Will the TA be good quality?

Yes, the properties used for temporary accommodation will be fully refurbished and professionally cleaned before you arrive

Will there be carpets in the TA?

No, as the properties will be used by multiple people over the period of the project, vinyl flooring will be installed to help keep them clean

Can I move my freezer to the TA?

A fridge freezer will already be at the property for your use. We can assist you in transferring any items to this. If you have a specific need for your own freezer, we will work with you regarding this

Can I get a list of what will be in the TA?

Absolutely, when the properties have been refurbished and furnished, we will provide this. You’ll also be able to view the properties before we start the project

Do I need to pay for utilities such as gas, electricity and water in the TA?

The utilities will not be charged to you whilst you are in the TA property, but you will remain responsible for the utilities in your home

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

What does the moving out process look like? Is it floor by floor?

We think this will be the case, but until we have confirmation from our contractor cannot yet confirm how many flats or floors will need to be empty at one time. As soon as we have an update, we will share this information with you

How much notice will be given when we need to leave our homes?

We will give you as much notice as possible

Do we have to take all our items?

No, only the items which you need day to day or to live comfortably/safely

How do we know our belongings are safe?

We recommend that you take high value items with you if you are away from your property for a long period of time. If needed, we can provide a safe in the TA property

Any contractor entering your property will have had the relevant checks. We will apply a tamper proof seal to the living room/bedroom doors in your home, ensuring no unauthorised access takes place

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)

What happens if anything gets damaged?

The contractor will take photographs before and after the works, and any damage present after the works will be the responsibility of the contractor. If you have specific concerns speak with the Sheltered Housing team or your Housing Officer

How will our flooring be protected?

Protective coverings will be installed by contractors and removed when the works are completed.

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 handing 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

Can all correspondence be emailed?

We will work with residents to understand how they wish to receive correspondence/communications and will try to meet this where possible.

Information will also be displayed in the block, on our website and where applicable provided in person.

What about holidays?

If you let us know when you’re going away, we will ensure the contractor is aware of this. It is possible works will need to be completed in a set order. Once we can confirm this, we will be able to provide further information to you

Will we have to notify insurance/Wi-Fi provider?

There is no requirement to notify your insurance provider or Wi-Fi provider. We will provide Wi-Fi within the temporary accommodation properties

What will happen with our landline?

Depending on who provides your landline there may be a cost and delay to transfer this to the temporary accommodation. We would recommend the use of a mobile phone where possible

Will the council pay for removals if I move out permanently?

Yes, we will support you with this if you choose to move out permanently because of the works/project

I live alone and have a 2 bed. I would consider moving out but only if I get another 2 bed property.

When looking to provide alternative permanent accommodation, we must look at the needs of each person. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to offer you permanent rehousing in a 2 bedroom property if you live alone. There are some exceptions to this, which we can discuss further with you

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

Are you going to recruit a good contractor?

Yes, the contractor will be a specialist in undertaking Building Safety works, in residential buildings

Will works be done properly to a good standard?

Yes, the contractor undertaking the works is a specialist in this field and all works will require sign off by qualified surveyors who work for Portsmouth City Council and specialise in Building Safety

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

Is it definitely going ahead? 

Yes, as this is related to Building Safety these works must be completed

Where will the contractors park their vehicles?

This is unknown at this stage, but we will ensure any impact to residents is avoided or kept to an absolute minimum

They will not be permitted to park on paths or pavements.

Noise levels – what will it be like?

We know the works are going to cause noise throughout the building.  Noisy works will only be between the hours of 9am – 5pm weekdays

There will be no noisy works on weekends and bank holidays.

If it’s too noisy, can I change my mind and permanently move out of the block?

Absolutely, if this is the case, please speak with the Sheltered Housing Team or your Housing Officer

Will we get compensation due to noise?

No, it is not possible for us to provide compensation for the disruption the works may cause