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Home improvements

Our standards

Every Southway home must meet the government's 'Decent homes' standards.

But these are fairly basic standards. Our programme of home improvements will go much further - so that every Southway tenant will have a high quality home fit for the 21st century. Here is a list of standards, showing what the government says we should do as a minimum, and what we will actually do.

  Decent Homes Standard Southway Housing Trust Standard
Windows Windows should be no more than 40 years old (30 in flats) and be repaired or replaced if in poor condition. We will exceed this standard by replacing all windows with PVCu double-glazing.
Kitchens and bathrooms There are two different standards for kitchens and bathrooms:

Kitchens should be no more than 30 years old and have adequate space and layout, and bathroom facilities should be no more than 40 years old. or

Kitchens must be no more than 20 years old and bathrooms no more than 30 years old with layout issues in the kitchen.

Southway properties fail under both standards.		 We will exceed this standard by replacing all kitchens and bathrooms that have not been improved since 2000 – not just one or the other.
Toilets All homes must have an inside toilet with wash hand basin. We will exceed this  standard by fitting an upstairs toilet to homes where space and layout allows.
Heating Boilers should be no more that 15 years old and heating systems no more that 40 years old. They must be repaired or replaced if in poor condition. We will match this standard by replacing all boilers that are obsolete, and upgrading any systems where required.
External doors Doors should be no more than 40 years old (30 in flats) and be repaired or replaced if in poor condition. We will match this standard by replacing all doors and frames that are in poor condition.
Thermal insulation Homes should have a reasonable degree of thermal comfort with both efficient heating and effective insulation. We will match this standard by installing cavity wall and loft insulation, where required. We will exceed it by carrying out energy efficiency awareness initiatives to reduce fuel poverty.
Roofs Roofs should be no more than 50 years old, or 30 in certain types of flats (although there are no Southway flats like this) and be repaired or replaced if in a poor condition. We will match this standard by repairing or replacing defective roofs.
Electrical systems Electrical systems should be no more than 30 years old and be repaired or replaced if in a poor condition. We will match this standard by completely or partially rewiring as necessary.
Adaptations
for disabled people		 Not part of the standard. We will exceed this by including necessary adaptations in improvements work.
Environmental and security improvements Not part of the standard. We will exceed this by investing £10M on environmental works over the first 5 years.
Non- traditional properties Not part of the standard. We will exceed this by making all necessary improvements to secure the long-term future of these properties.