Major works
We are responsible for maintaining the communal and structural parts of the buildings and communal areas of estates. We also make sure our Council Housing meets the Regulator of Social Housing’s Safety and Quality Standard and the Government’s Decent Homes Standard. You can find out more at:
The cost of maintaining a building varies according to its age and structure. From time to time, it will be necessary for us to undertake planned works to improve or repair the communal and structural parts of the building you live in.
These will be repairs and renewals which we cannot do under normal day-to-day repairs arrangements. This is because of the amount of works involved. We get better value-for-money by grouping works together into one package rather than doing lots of small jobs.
This sort of work may include:
- roofs replacement/repair
- window replacement/repair
- lifts replacement/repair
- front entrance and communal doors replacement/ repair
- controlled entry systems replacement/repair
- painting and decorating
- external repairs
- ground source heating replacement/repair
- kitchen and bathroom renewal
- electrical rewires renewal
- heating system renewal
- fire safety works installations such as sprinklers, fire alarm systems and fire stopping
- energy efficiency improvements
We aim to deliver around £100million of investment to improve council homes between April 2024 to March 2026. This funding will enable us to bring all council homes up to the Decent Homes Standard. This will also help reduce energy bills and support carbon reduction in Enfield in line with our aim to be net-zero.
To search for your property, view the planned works register (XLSX, 250 KB).
Stock Condition Surveys
This year we will be carrying out 5,000 surveys in partnership with Rapleys. Our goal is to continue enhancing the quality of our data which will enable us to better plan future works. All surveyors will identify themselves with badges and letters of authority from London Borough of Enfield. Rapleys will be in contact with residents on this year’s survey list directly.
FAQs
What works are covered under external and communal works?
The works may include repair/renewal to external building components such as windows, roofs, and doors. Works may also include various other communal and external improvements.
What work is covered under internal works?
Internal improvements work may include upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, heating and wiring upgrades. However, all works are subject to survey.
How do I know when works will start?
If your property is on a renewal programme, you will be contacted by us and our contractor. Please note that we must prioritise essential safety work from time to time, which means we must put pre-planned work to your building or estate on hold. We will keep you updated about any changes to works to your building or in your area.
Who do I contact about ongoing works to my home?
Our contractors employ specialist Resident Liaison Officers (RLO) whose role is to support you when major works are carried out to your home.
Your RLO will set up appointments, handle access and contractor concerns, and investigate complaints as your first point of contact. Before they begin working, they will provide you with a contact sheet with their contact details.
How do you determine what works will be carried out to my property?
Every block/property due to benefit from improvement works is surveyed before the start of any works. For external works, this involves looking at the condition of your building from ground level, followed by a more detailed survey, if necessary. The outcome of these surveys will determine what work is required.
Is the council guaranteeing that works will be carried out in the programmed year?
No, because there are some circumstances in which published dates may change, for example:
- contractor surveys indicate that the condition of components is different from what the stock condition showed – this mainly happens because the contracts can undertake a close-up survey as opposed to the visual nature of the stock condition surveys
- we've had to prioritise essential health and safety work within the available budget
When will any of the work identified in my home be started and completed?
The programme of works is based on prioritising the worst properties. In addition, we have committed to making sure that all Decent Homes-related work will be completed as soon as possible by March 2026.
Will I be expected to pay for the work?
For tenants, rent includes an allowance for upgrading their homes, so they will not be required to pay anything else. Leaseholders will be asked to contribute to the works as provided under the terms of their lease.
Will I have the opportunity to see the specification and samples of what contractors will install, and will I have any choice?
The council, supported by the contractor for your area, will undertake statutory and non-statutory consultation before works start.
Separately, residents will be able to exercise some choice on some programme, for example, on the design on kitchens and in determining colour schemes in communal areas. For communal work, options will be decided on a majority basis.
Leaseholder consultation and charges
Where work is going to cost more than £250 per leasehold flat, you will be consulted before the work begins. You will receive a Notice of Intention outlining the works that we intend to carry out. During the consultation period, we will give you the name of one of our officers to contact about any issues or concerns you may have.
For more information, see major works charges.