Major works improvements
Bracknell Forest Homes is delivering a £61 million five year major works programme. This programme will improve all homes to the Bracknell Forest Standard, which is a standard customers asked for. It exceeds the Government's basic Decent Homes Standard.
The improvement programme comes as a result of the housing transfer from Bracknell Forest Council.
The table below shows the improvements to be carried out over five years.
| Improvement | Five year promise | Completed to date (June 2010) |
| New bathrooms | 3,500 homes | 1,788 |
| New kitchens | 3,300 homes | 1,597 |
| New windows | 1,560 homes | 1,554 |
| New heating system |
3,600 homes |
2,443 |
| Adaptations | £400,000 spent each year for five years |
Frequently asked questions
Who is doing the work?
Bracknell Forest Homes works with three partner contractors. They are called Mears (kitchens and bathrooms), MITIE (kitchens and bathrooms) and Wates (heating). The contractors were chosen after a rigorous selection process involving customers. All contractors comply with Code of Conduct and recruit local people where possible. Bracknell Forest Homes monitors the performance of the contractors.
Please click to visit the contractor's website:
When will work be done at my property?
Work is being carried out across the Bracknell Forest borough in a five year programme. The oldest estates are having work done first. A full programme of work is available by clicking here. The programme started in September 2008 and a programme year runs from April to March. If your property is due to have a new kitchen, bathroom, windows or heating replacement, we will write to you at the start of the programme year to inform you that work may be carried out during the year. We will write to you again to arrange a surveyor visit and to discuss the works. Please click here to see a map of the borough and when the major works programme is being carried out in each estate.
Can I choose the new fixtures and fittings?
Absolutely, yes. A designer will take into account your needs and the appliances that need to be accommodated and you will be able to discuss the design and choose from units, worktops, handles, wall tiles, floor covering and paint colours.
What does the work include?
Before a contractor starts work in your property they will carry out an electrical test. This will determine how much work is needed to your electrical circuit. It is likely that some upgrade work will be needed, usually a new consumer unit (fuse box) or a full re-wire. Please see below for examples of work carried out.
| Kitchen refurbishment | Bathroom refurbishment |
| Strip out existing kitchen | Strip out flooring and wall tiling |
| Strip out existing flooring | Remove bath and install new (same day) |
| Re-wire electrics | Remove w/c and install new (same day) |
| Make good plastering | Remove handbasing and install new (same day) |
| Asbestos removal if required | Electrics if required |
| Install new kitchen | Make good plastering |
| Renew flooring | Asbestos removal if required |
| Decorating and making good | Decorating and making good |
What will the new kitchens and bathrooms look like?
Please click here for a link to a photo album of new kitchens and bathrooms.
Will the items save energy and bills?
New windows, heating and insulation will help to save energy usage and reduce bills. Typical savings for typical homes have been published by the Energy Saving Trust, along with other energy saving tips. These can be found here and averages are set out below. Please click the links for more information.
| Home improvement | £££ savings (average per year per home) | Energy savings/reduced Carbon Dioxide (average per year per home) |
| Double glazing | £135 | 720kg Carbon Dioxide |
| Insulation | £115 | 610kg Carbon Dioxide |
Parking on estates
We are working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council on plans to improve parking on estates. Please click here for information about parking improvement plans.
External works
As part of the promises we are also carrying out work to redecorate the exterior of all properties once every five years. This will also include the redecoration of the communal parts of blocks of flats. The programme has already been completed in some areas. Please click here to find out which year different areas are being done.
More information
A Resident Liaison Officer will be on hand throughout the time that work is carried out. so you can ask questions and find out more. Clerks of Works will also visit and ensure that work is carried out to the required standard and specification. You will also receive letters and an information pack to guide you through the works.
More questions and answers
Please click here for more questions and answers, or please email by clicking here if you have a question you would like to ask.
Contact us
Please call Chris Haines, Gill Sage or Janice Gibbs to find out more about the major works programme.
Freephone: 0800 692 3000
Email: bfh@bracknellforesthomes.org.uk
