You may already be aware that Erimus Housing is currently undertaking an extensive improvements programme to make sure that all of our homes meet modern day living standards. These works are being carried out to make sure our homes meet the Government's Decent Homes standard.

Not every property will be eligible for all of the works and Erimus Housing will not renew items that were recently installed. One of our surveyors will visit your home and the extent of the works to be done will be discussed with you after the survey has been completed.

The works to be completed by Erimus Housing can include the following:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Heating
• Electrical rewire
• Doors and window replacement
• Internal doors
• External or structural works

If you are aware of any health, safety or medical reasons, which could be affected by the works, or any other reason why work needs to be completed earlier or later than planned, please let the contractors representative know as soon as possible. This will enable any necessary arrangements to be made.

You will be fully consulted during the improvement programme; however, the following questions will give you some idea about what to expect during the works.

Q. Will I have to move out of my home?

A. No, we will do the work with as little disruption as possible, although some of the work will be extensive. Some people choose to stay with family or friends at this time. If this is not possible, we can arrange temporary accommodation for those who cannot cope with the work.

Q. When will works start and what will be done to my home?

A. You will receive a letter well in advance of the planned work and you will then be contacted by the contractor who will be carrying out the programme. The proposed work will be discussed with you and you will be invited to a show home, mobile unit or open day, nearer to the start date to look at the options available.

Q. Who will visit?

A. A surveyor working for Erimus Housing or one of our partners. Please be sure that you are satisfied with the identity of each caller before allowing him or her into to your home. All genuine callers will be pleased to show you their identity card, for you to check. If you have any doubts, do not allow them to enter but telephone Erimus Housing on 08000 461 600 or the police on 01642 326326.

Q. Will I have a choice of styles and colours for any improvements?

A. There are a number of choices available for kitchens, bathroom tiles, flooring, external doors, and fires. In addition, you will be offered the opportunity to choose from a deluxe range of some items available at an additional cost. Click here to view brochures.

Q. Do I have to have improvements to my home?

A. All of the improvement work is being carried out to improve your living standard. There may be reasons, such as ill health, where work can be carried out at a more convenient time. If you insist that you do not want the work to be carried out an Erimus Housing representative will discuss this with you.

Q. I have applied to buy my house; will I still be included in the improvements programme?

A. No improvement works will be undertaken if you have applied to buy your property. Erimus Housing will of course continue to carry out essential repairs as and when they occur, up until you become the legal owner.

Q. What can I expect when my home is being refurbished?

A. When the refurbishment is being done, we will take every precaution to protect your home. However please follow these guidelines.

• Make sure that all pets (including exotic ones) are safe and secure and kept away from any work areas. This is to prevent any accidents that could be caused.
• Make sure all cupboards are emptied of any possessions, and be sure to clear areas where works are going to be carried out. This enables work to start promptly without delays.
• Please secure any valuables including breakable items like pictures, clocks, glass and china. These items may break easily if left in any area where there is vibration.
• Please make sure all external access routes are kept clear of parked cars. This will aid us to deliver all materials more efficiently, without delays.
• Make sure all children, no matter how old, are kept out of all work areas. Please make sure that children are never left unsupervised while work is being carried out within your home.

Q. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF MY HOME IS HAVING..?

Window & Door Replacement

• TV aerials need removing from window reveals.
• Telephone lines and boxes need to be removed from the window reveals.
• Doorbells need to be removed.
• Remove all curtains nets and blinds from your windows.
• Television, table, beds etc need to be moved to allow access to the windows.

A Rewire

• Some flooring and carpets need to be lifted - you will be advised accordingly.
• Remove articles hanging on walls (in case of damage).
• Dust will be caused due to walls being chased for new cables.

A New Kitchen

• All kitchen units must be emptied.
• Lift all kitchen flooring.
• Remove curtains, blinds etc.

A New Bathroom

• Lift all flooring and leave clean.
• Empty all articles from the room.
• Take cabinets and shelves off the wall.
• Remove curtains, blinds etc.

New Central Heating

• Move articles away from radiators
• Remove fire surrounds and hearths.

Additional Information to Note:

• Decoration may be disturbed.
• Furniture will need to be moved.
• Sockets may be relocated or removed.
• If required assistance will be given.
• The contractor will disconnect cookers.
• Intruder alarms may be affected if the electricity is turned off. Please check your house alarm battery - the alarm will revert to factory settings if your battery is flat. You may need to contact your alarm engineer if this occurs.