Home FAQs
SECTION MENU

FAQ

FAQsRSS FeedAtom Feed

Answer:
  • Your home will have either a bath or a walk-in shower and at least one toilet.
  • There will be a tiled splash-back at least 300mm (12 inches) high behind the bath and basin (if fitted) and the plugs and chains will be provided.
  • The tiling will be sound, grouted and sealed.
  • All the sanitary furniture (toilet, bath, shower, basin) will be disinfected and the toilet seat will be new with a sanitary strip fitted.
  • Some of our properties were designed and built without hand wash basins - if your home does not have a hand wash basin and the bathroom or toilet has enough space for one then we will install one.
  • If the bathroom decorations are in poor condition, we will redecorate using anti-condensation coatings.
Answer:
  • All taps will be in working order.
  • Before the property is made available for someone to move in to, all water supply pipes will be flushed through to ensure all water is running clean.
  • We will also check the waste pipes and make sure they are not blocked and water drains away freely.
  • Immersion heaters will be fitted with a thermostat and lagged or properly insulated.
Answer:
  • Homes with private gardens will be free from rubbish.
  • Dangerous structures like greenhouses will be removed and uneven and dangerous paths will be repaired.
  • Overgrown gardens will be cut back and damaged washing lines will be removed (but not replaced).
  • Where boundary fences and walls joining a public highway or communal area are managed by Housing Management Services, they will be repaired to ensure the property is secure.
  • Drains and gullies will be in good condition and the roofs, walls and down-pipes will be sound and keep the property water-tight. (It is not always possible to test these so if you have any leaks or notice faults when you move in please report them to the Housing Service Centre 020 7364 5015).
Answer:

Upper floors

Check all roof access is safe and all equipment regularly used for building maintenance – such as ladders, personal protective equipment and other inspection kit– is safe and ready to use. If you have valley or parapet gutters, check that they are clear and running freely to prevent water from entering the wall tops and roofspace. Extra caution is needed in icy conditions.

Both

Your electricity system should be checked by a qualified person every five years. Smoke alarms should be regularly tested and cleaned. Remember to replace the batteries too.

Shopfront

Gullies beneath downpipes should be cleared out regularly. If they are not draining away the drain may be blocked.

May

Answer:

Upper floors

Top tip

Have gutters adjusted if they are discharging water onto the wall – look for staining to the walls.

Both

Make sure that windows open easily so that the building can be ventilated on dry days during the summer months. Lubricate door and window fittings and check security locks. 

Shut down the heating system and arrange to have the boiler serviced. Bleed radiators and ensure that the frost thermostat is operational.

Shopfront

Drains should be cleaned and rodded out if they overflow during wet weather. Remove silt and debris to ensure water discharges freely. 

Clear away plant growth from drains, drainage channels and around gullies and the base of the walls generally.

Petticoat Building Calendar - May

Answer:

Upper floor

If your roof space has safe access and is boarded, during heavy rain check whether there is evidence of leaks or damage to roof covering.

Check that gutters and downpipes have not been damaged during frosts. Look for cracks or leaks in rainwater goods and organise for any damaged sections to be repaired.

Petticoat Building Calendar - March

Shopfront

Inspect the flashings at the shopfront wall abutments for signs of decay. Problems include holes or splits in the lead-work and cracked or missing mortar.

Answer:

Upper front

Check your roof for storm and wind damage. As well as slipped slates or tiles, debris on the ground or in gutters can indicate a problem. 

Make sure gutters and downpipes are clear of leaves and other debris. Regular attention may be needed if there are trees nearby in blossom or coming into leaf.

Top tip

Fit bird/leaf guards to the tops of soil stacks and downpipes and gullies to the base of downpipes to prevent blockages. 

Shopfront

Look out for cast iron gutters and downpipes that may also require repainting. Check the shopfront for storm and wind damage. Gullies beneath downpipes and around drains should be cleared out regularly.

Answer:

Upper floors

Check the brickwork or stonework, for signs of damage. Seek expert advice if it is badly eroded or mortar joints are missing. Also look out for cracks or signs of movement. 

If your building has a render or a painted finish check the render is sound or paint isn’t peeling or flaking. Repair and redecoration may be required.

Petticoat Building Calendar - June

Shopfront

Check timberwork for signs of rot including less accessible areas such as floor and roof voids and under stairs. Don’t forget to check in and behind your cupboards. 

Check vermin can’t access roof and floor voids.

Answer:

Upper floors

If the building has a lightening protection system have it serviced every five years.

Top tip

Regular painting of cast iron is essential to prevent rust and keeps your property looking good.

Look at timber windows, doors and shopfronts. Check for peeling or flaking paint, cracked and rotten wood. Repair and redecoration may be required.

Petticoat Building Calendar - July

Shopfront

Check for and remove any plant growth on the top of the shopfront.

Answer:

Upper floors

Here are some illustrations of some of the building terms used in this guide.

 Petticoat Building Calendar - Glossary

  1. Lead flashing
  2. Lead valley
  3. Gutter
  4. Parapet gutter
  5. Parapet
  6. Hopper
  7. Sash window
  8. Downpipe
  9. Shopfront
  10. Gulley
Displaying 51 to 60 of 640
Previous … 4 5 6 7 8 … Next