Rochdale Boroughwide Housing
Decarbonisation and RetrofitTHE CHALLENGE
The works comprised the decarbonisation of existing housing stock in Smallbridge and Kirkholt districts of Rochdale, using the Government Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding
The main challenges faced during the works were:
- The nature of the existing construction; Smallbridge was Cross wall constructed while Kirkholt was Wimpey no-fines.
- Liaising with residents – Regular workshops and community events were arranged.
- Controlling the cost while working on unknown construction details.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
As part of a service offer to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing under their Planned Maintenance framework, we were asked to work in partnership with the client the contractor, and the designer to see how we could improve the living conditions for the residents of these poor-performing energy-efficient homes.
Residents complained that because of the type of construction they were struggling to heat their homes in winter and conversely cool them in summer, which was leading to poor health amongst the residents living in these houses compared to others owned by the client.
Programming the works that could be undertaken having due consideration for the funding criteria associated with the SHDF wave 2.1 and 2.2 funding streams as well as the planned maintenance programme timelines for the window and door replacements; re-roofing, new heating system, etc. was essential to ensure minimum disruption for the residents and best value for our client.
The gathering of data and clear lines of communication with the residents was essential to ensure the correct level of works was undertake and optimum resident buy-in achieved.
The nature of the works is very intrusive and disruptive to the residents, but the key to the success was the journey the resident went on from the inception of the decarbonising works to completion with support and advise on how to get the best out of their new systems.
THE OUTCOME
The works undertaken transformed the appearance of the buildings making them look like adjacent new build developments, causing one resident to comment we are no longer seen as the poor relation.
The main two benefits that were fed back from the residents were that their fuel bills were significantly lower and now affordable. The other benefit was the state of resident wellbeing with many noticing improvements in their health.
Managing the spend was a challenge but the partnership approach and close working relationship between the contractor, consultants, and client helped, with all team members fully onboard when it came to problem-solving and ensuring the best value outcome.
RESULTS
The improvement made to the residents living in these terminally inefficient and poor-performing homes is enormous and the additional well-being benefits are priceless. We have now completed three contracts and each time the lessons learned are reducing which is driving cost, time and quality improvements.
OUR SERVICES
- Quantity Surveyors