2023 - August, Our news

On Wednesday 19 July, a group of PA Housing colleagues went to the Highfields Centre in Leicester alongside representatives from our contractor for the retrofit programme, Equans.

This was to allow residents to ask any questions they had about the adaptations being made to their homes over the next year. The day was very successful as the combined team from PA Housing and Equans was able to reach a good proportion of our residents from the local area. There was plenty of good food provided which meant that there were many smiling faces too! 

What is the retrofit programme? 

We are committed to improving all our homes to EPC Band C by 2030. To get there, we need to ‘retrofit’ thousands of homes over the next 6 years, and we are looking forward to sharing the benefits this will bring to our residents. These will mean that our residents:  

• are more comfortable,   
• have greater control of their heating,  
• have a home free of damp and mould,  
• and have better air quality in their homes.  
  

 
In short, we will:  

• Install wall insulation to the outside of the rear and side walls, finished in a render colour chosen by the resident.  
• Install wall insulation to the inside of the front walls.   
• Replaster and redecorate the front rooms to a colour chosen by the resident.  
• Improve the loft insulation and fit loft boarding.   
• Install a new Switchee smart thermostat.   
• Improve ventilation throughout the home.   
• Carry out any repairs necessary to the walls, roof, and guttering. 

 
In addition, to support our residents in this process, we’ll offer a number of services that are designed to make this easier for them.

• We’ll help by clearing and recycling belongings and furniture that residents might not want anymore by providing a limited waste disposal service. 
• We can help residents by providing carboard boxes for sorting items or temporarily storing belongings whilst we complete some of the work if required. If they’re less physically able, we will lend a helping hand.  
• If they already have items in their loft space, these will need to be removed. If residents need help moving them out so that we can improve the insulation and fit boarding, we can help to clear the loft.  
• When it comes to installing the wall insulation in the front rooms, if residents are less physically able, we will help to move any furniture away from the affected walls.   
• If residents have fitted furniture in the front rooms, we’ll work with them to have that re-installed before we leave.

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Here’s how some of the visitors felt about the project:

I’m here on behalf of my brother, who is a PA Housing resident. I have an idea of what is happening with the retrofit scheme and how they’re increasing the level of insulation in his home, but I’d like to find out more about this project, which is why I’m attending today. Generally, I think it’s a fantastic scheme that is much needed as my brother’s house can be really cold in the winter. I’m optimistic that it will make a huge difference and with no additional charges to my brother. I’m hoping that I can be reassured about the timescale and that the contractors will have the right skills to complete the job.”

Dill, resident’s family member 

It’s amazing, this is a really good scheme. I’m glad that my home improvement journey has started. From what I’ve heard about the project so far and the level of extra insulation, I’m impressed! Although I could have done with this years ago as my kitchen gets so cold, I’m honestly very excited that my house is one of the eligible ones where this work is being completed.”

Tasleem, resident

Due to the nature of the programme, it will take our contractors 45 days to complete the works once they begin in each home. Our residents are very excited for the project to start. It's important for us to ensure that residents are aware of the works being carried out in their homes and that they feel comfortable.  

We’re looking forward to starting the programme!