Home Modernisation - Council Properties

All Councils have been set a target of raising the standard of all its properties by the year 2010 by the Government. This target known as the Decent Homes Standard is driving the Council’s programme of modernisation in your homes.

In order to raise the standard of your home, a recent stock condition survey identified the following works are required;

• double glazed windows 
• replacement kitchens 
• replacement bathrooms 
• re-roofing 
• replacement heating systems

It is likely that in the forthcoming years your home will have one of the above improvements undertaken. The Council is currently drawing up a 5-year programme of works and this will be published on this page once it is completed.

Standards

The standards for refurbishment schemes, void work and repairs and maintenance work for all Wolverhampton City Council properties we manage take account of the Government’s ‘Decent Homes Standard’, the ‘health and safety rating system’ and tenants’ approved standards for materials, layouts, and number and type of fittings.

The standards apply to all types of property unless we say otherwise. They also cover quality, type, quantity, space and the level of choice.

Doors and windows

Generally, all existing windows to low-rise properties will be replaced with double-glazed u-PVC frames in line with the existing replacement programme. 

Windows to high-rise properties will be of a type and style appropriate to the area and the level of protection needed against the weather.

Kitchens

We will give you the choice of having the kitchen in your home brought up to modern standards if it does not meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard, or will fail to meet it by 2010.

Bathrooms

We will give you the choice of having the bathroom in your home brought up to modern standards if it does not meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard, or will fail to meet it by 2010.

Electrical power and lighting

We will rewire or upgrade the lighting and power in your home in line with the 16th Edition of the IEE Regulations. 

If we need to fully rewire your home, we will usually carry this out within one working week.

Heating

Wolverhampton City Council will provide the most energy-efficient heating system possible. They will provide central heating in all homes that do not have it, and will upgrade partial central-heating systems to full systems.

They will also replace inadequate systems or boilers coming to the end of their serviceable life (or both). Wherever possible, replacements will be a gas-fired wet system.

This may not be possible in tower blocks where electrical systems are already fitted.  In these situations, the city council will install modern, up-to-date electrical systems. They will remove open or sealed solid-fuel systems and replace them with a controllable central-heating system where possible and in line with your wishes.

Outside walls

We will insulate outside cavity walls where these have not already been done.

We will consider other repair and improvement programmes being carried out at the same time on the same properties. We will always use scaffolding and other methods of access to reduce costs.

Roofs

Generally, we will replace roof coverings only if we decide that they have come to the end of their life.

Environment

If we plan to carry out environmental improvement work, we will consult all tenants and residents on an estate and make sure the type of work is what most people agree with.  Generally, we will carry out this work if we consider there is a specific need and that the work will improve the conditions and security on an estate.

Further information

For any further information on Home Modernisation please contact your local housing office. or use our online e-form (secure).