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Printed by Media Creation Unit @ Tandridge District Council. April 2016
Booklet
No. 5
External repair and
redecoration
We can provide this document in a range of languages and formats on request.
Please contact Tandridge District Council on 01883 722000.
It is also available on the Tandridge website: www.tandridge.gov.uk
External repair and redecoration
Every five years the Council paints the outside of properties. This leaflet aims to
help answer your questions.
What is going to be painted?
Generally this covers:
●● Timber windows, doors and frames.
●● Metal windows and frames.
●● Timber fascia boards and soffits.
●● Rainwater gutters, downpipes and soil stacks.
●● Timber screens, panels and cladding.
●● Garage doors, frames and gates.
●● Painted rendered surfaces.
In addition, we clean UPVC window frames and cladding, clear gutters and in
some instances renew fascias and soffits in UPVC.
The painting specification calls for the preparation of surfaces by sanding down
or in some instances the burning back of old paintwork.
Repainting generally will be one undercoat and one finishing coat to previously
painted areas. A primer and second undercoat may be applied to new woodwork,
or other areas.
Resident’s own fixtures such as sheds, greenhouses and porches are not included
in the painting programme.
Redecoration of common areas internally will also be carried out.
When will the work be carried out?
The programme of works depends on the weather, but should be carried out
between the end of March and the end of October.
How long will it take to decorate my property?
This depends on the weather and quantity of work, but as a rough guide, a house
could take three to five days and a flat two to four days.
How much notice will I be given by the contractor before they want to start
work on my property?
The contractor will advise you approximately seven days before works are due to
start. They will consider requests for earlier or later starting dates.
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Can I choose paint colours?
Wood frames and cladding will be painted white, but residents can choose their
entrance door finish from six basic colours. If doors are varnished, the contractor
can apply a similar finish.
If you do not like the colours, the Council may instruct the contractor to apply a
special colour supplied by you. If you want to do this, please contact the Property
Services Team.
I have booked a holiday – what happens if this is when the work should be done?
If no one is available to be at home when the work is due to take place , contact
the contractor to make alternative arrangements.
I think I need a new door/window etc. When will this be done?
The Council has a repairs policy to keep its properties in good condition. All works
will be inspected before the painting starts and if repairs or replacements are
required, this will be carried out first. You will be told when the repairs or decoration
are due to be carried out to your home before the work starts.
Will the workmen carry identity cards?
Yes, they will have a card or some form of identification.
Is it safe to leave my property with all the windows and doors open, with the
painter in charge?
The security of the property is your own responsibility. You must not rely upon
workmen to act as security if you want to leave your home.
Don’t forget closing windows and doors before the paintwork is dry will cause
sticking and poor finish. The contractor does not have to repair damage caused
by premature closing of doors, windows, etc.
What do I do if I am not happy with any of the work being carried out?
First speak to the contractor’s foreman on site. If you are not satisfied, contact the
Property Services Team who will investigate your complaint and give instructions
for any necessary work to be carried out.
What do I do if the workmen damage something while carrying out the works?
Contact the foreman on site as soon as you are aware of the damage and it will be
recorded in the contractor’s incident book. The problem may be resolved immediately
by the contractor. If you are still not satisfied, contact the Property Services Team.
What if I become concerned about the behaviour of the workmen?
Contractors and their staff must conduct themselves in a proper manner, in
accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for Contractors. If you are
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concerned about the behaviour of any workman, please contact the Property
Services Team, who will investigate your complaint and give you a written response.
The estimate I have received seems very high. Why is this?
The estimate is made up of the decoration costs for your property and a proportion
of the costs towards the common part, plus an estimate for repairs and an
administration charge. The final bill, forming part of your service charge, will
include only the exact costs of works carried out.
I have just had my painting done professionally, so I should not be charged.
The Council is responsible for carrying out external painting to all its dwellings.
An inspection of your property will be made to make sure works have been
carried out. The Council must be satisfied the quality of the work complies with
the specification for painting the outside of council dwellings and is adequate for
the next five years. You will still be charged for works carried out to common parts.
I have renewed my windows and doors. As they do not need painting, will the
bill be reduced?
Yes, the final bill will only reflect the work carried out to the common parts if any.
When will I receive the bill for the work?
The accounting year for leaseholder service charges runs from 1st October to 30th
September of the following year. Bills are sent out shortly after this.
Work on external decorations not completed by this time will be charged the
following year.
Can I get more information about leaseholder obligations?
The Council has produced a number of leaflets to help leaseholders understand
their rights and obligations. These are available from the Estates Management
Section at the Council Offices.
More information
For more information please contact:
By post:
Property Services Team, Housing
Tandridge District Council
Council Offices, 8 Station Road East
Oxted, RH8 0BT
By telephone:
01883 722000
By e-mail:
[email protected]
Our website: www.tandridge.gov.uk/housing
If you are deaf or hard of hearing please text 07860 027780 and use the code HH1
at the start of your message.
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