We aim to complete all the necessary repairs before you move in, but may have to carry out some less urgent repairs afterwards. This is to make sure that you can move in as soon as possible.

Work done when the house is empty is to ensure the property is habitable. Normally, major upgrading works will be carried out within an agreed programme. However, if it is appropriate to do so, certain major works may take place when the house is empty.

Inside your home 

We will make sure that your home will be empty, clean and ready for you to move in to (including common/service areas). This includes:

• Internal doors, walls, skirtings and facings will be in an acceptable condition and ready for you to decorate.
• If the decoration in the property is in a poor condition, an allowance may be available on a room by room basis to help with the costs of decorating.
•  Floors and staircases will be safe, free from holes and missing floorboards.

Safety

The electric and, if present, gas supplies in the property will be checked and appropriately certified. This includes:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will be present and tested.
• All locks in the property will be checked and repaired if necessary.
• Mechanical ventilation will be provided if there are any historical issues with condensation.

Kitchens and bathrooms

This includes:

• The kitchen will have space for a cooker and a fridge.
• The kitchen will have six electrical sockets .
• The kitchen layout will be safe - worktop either side of the cooker.
• There will be adequate kitchen storage.
• Both the kitchen and the bathroom will be in a good and usable condition.

Energy efficiency 

• The heating system will be efficient and in good working order.
• The property will have an Energy Performance Certificate.

Outside your home

This includes:

• The roof structure and roof tiles will be in a good condition, including ridge the tiles.
• Chimneys will be safe and re-pointed as necessary.
• All guttering and down pipes will be in good working order.
• Gullies and drains, including waste outlets, will be clean and free from obstruction. 
• The walls of the property will be in good condition with any repairs carried out as necessary. 
• Windows and doors will be in good condition and will operate without difficulty. 
• Any broken glazing  will be replaced. 
• Footpaths, boundary fences, walls and gates will be in good condition. 
• Any repair or replacement identified will be progressed as part of our programmed works 
• Common areas will be safe and in good condition.
• For flats there will be a communal drying area available.  
• There will be adequate lighting outside flats, whether from street lighting or lighting fitted to the common building.
• Access decks and balustrades will be safe and in good condition. 
• Balconies and verandas will be safe and in good condition.  
• Common windows and roof lights will be in good usable condition.
•  If a door entry system is fitted, this will be in good usable condition.

Tower blocks in North Lanarkshire 

There are various checks which are carried out in the many tower blocks.  These include regular checks and maintenance on:

• lifts 
• laundries 
• pumps 
• main extractor fans 
• refuge chutes 
• stair and close/landing lighting
• safety equipment 
• communal landings

uPVC windows

Your new uPVC windows and doors have been manufactured using quality components throughout and should enhance the quality and appearance of your home, while also contributing to lower heating costs.

Like all mechanical parts, they require  a little care and maintenance in order to provide a  lifetime of trouble free operation.  We would ask therefore that you follow these simple guidelines for cleaning  and maintenance.

Do:

• Operate the window or door using only the handle(s) fitted.
• Open the handles and push the sash forward until it locates the safety restrictor, located within the frame.
• Release the safety restrictor for further ventilation.
• Trickle ventilation may be obtained with the window in the closed position through use of the ventilator location at the top of the window.
• Clean all PVC surfaces with well diluted domestic washing up liquid or domestic soap and lukewarm water. Alternatively, use only specialist PVC cleaner. 
• Lubricate all moving parts, i.e. locks, hinges and handles at least twice per year using a light oil or silicon lubricant.
• Clean all glazing units with a non abrasive cloth or paper towelling using either water or a domestic glass cleaning agent.

Don’t:

• Use solvent based cleaners such as cellulose thinners or acetone, on any of the PVC surfaces. 
• Use abrasive agents. 
• Attempt to clean dry surfaces with dry cloths. 
• Force any mechanical or moving part into an open or closed position or subject any window or door to undue leverage or weight. 
• Remove or tamper with any safety restrictions on the window frame.