Haringey Community Benefit Society (HCBS)
Plan and Details
Project Type | Void Properties |
Client | London Borough of Haringey |
Date | Phase 1 – November 2023 - February 2024; Phase 2 - April 2024 - June 2024 |
Value | Phase 1 - £1.2m; Phase 2 - £490,350 |
Scope
Surveys; Asbestos Removal; Plastering; Decorations; Kitchens and Bathrooms; Electrics; Flooring; Doors; Windows; Gas; Central Heating and Boilers.
Project Description
This project details the successful refurbishment of void properties within the ownership of the Haringey Community Benefit Society (HCBS) by DCK. The project, commissioned by Haringey Council, aimed to make these properties readily available for letting by addressing repairs to the highest of standards.
The HCBS is a social housing organisation with a close relationship to Haringey Council. They share the mission of providing high-quality, affordable housing to residents. Haringey Council, as the local authority, plays a strategic role in overseeing housing stock and ensuring its suitability for tenants.
Challenges
Scattered Properties: The works encompassed multiple properties spread across the borough, requiring logistical coordination
Asbestos Removal: T The removal of asbestos posed a necessary but time-sensitive step due to the two-week notification period
Squatter Presence: T Unauthorised occupants in some properties presented a hurdle that needed resolution to avoid project delays
Meter Issues: T A review of gas and electric meters revealed problems that DCK needed to address to avoid any delays.
Solutions
Collaborative Planning: T We worked closely with Haringey Council to establish a clear project plan, including a list of properties, scope of works per property, and agreed timeframes ranging from 2-4 weeks
Proactive Management: T DCK proactively managed asbestos removal, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining the project schedule. We also collaborated with Haringey to resolve the presence of squatters within the designated timeframes
Flexibility and Value Engineering: T We implemented improvements to the project specifications, including upgrading boilers to a more efficient model and enhancing kitchen fixtures with coloured cabinets and better taps
Resource Management: T DCK prioritised on-time completion by deploying a team of over 20 operatives to ensure each property was ready for occupancy by the designated move-in dates.
Outcome
Successful Refurbishment: T All properties were successfully refurbished within the agreed timeframes, meeting the high standards set by Haringey Council. The project resulted in a significant improvement to the Council's housing stock
Client Satisfaction: T Haringey Council expressed high satisfaction with DCK's performance, highlighting our proactive approach, flexibility, and commitment to meeting deadlines. This paves the way for continued collaboration on future projects.
This project exemplifies DCK's ability to deliver complex works on time and within budget. Our collaborative approach, problem-solving skills, and commitment to exceeding client expectations resulted in not only improved housing stock but also ensured timely accommodation for residents in need.