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> Welcome to the new Stock Condition Surveyors
Richard Winnard and Marc Eccles have recently joined the Property Team as Stock Condition Surveyors (SCS).
Richard and Marc are line managed by Adrian Smith, Property Asset Manager and will commence Harvest’s new in-house survey service on 30 January 2012.
Why has an in-house surveying team been set up?
With approximately 18,000 homes it is important that the Property Team maintains a detailed and up-to-date asset management system. Such a system will allow the Property Asset Manager to assess whether homes meet Government directives such as the Decent Homes Standard and Housing Health and Safety Rating Systems (HHSRS). Identifying homes that don’t will allow a rolling programme of reinvestment works to be developed and delivered across the Group.
Also having recently outsourced survey sampling activity during 2011/12 it was identified that savings could be made by employing surveyors in-house on temporary contracts.
Following the recruitment of Richard and Marc, the Property Team are confident that they can deliver a first-rate outcome for both internal and external customers.
How many surveys have been completed to date and what is the target going forward?
At the end of December 2011 the total number of properties surveyed was 5,137 which equates to 28% of Harvest’s stock.
A new target to survey a minimum of 50% of the Group’s stock by March 2014 has been agreed. This will result in the in-house team surveying 100% of the Category 1 and 2 sheltered schemes from 30 January. Following this, a plan to complete a survey sample of remaining Group properties will be progressed and this will include properties housing all known disabled or vulnerable customers.
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How will the survey data be collected?
Survey data will be collected using a combination of hand-held computer hardware and paper survey templates. Data will be uploaded electronically in to the Group’s new Keystone Asset Management System.
Each survey will consist of a cursory inspection of all main building elements including:
• Roof covering/structure
• Windows & doors
• Internal & external walls
• Kitchen & bathroom
• Boiler and central heating
• Electrical installation
• Paths/driveways
• Boundary walls/fence
• Communal facilities.
How will you be kept informed?
Before any survey activity starts the surveyors will write to customers to inform them when they will be surveying properties in your area. Our surveyors will also liaise closely with neighbourhood managers, maintenance staff and Harvest Response and will notify them of any identified maintenance issues requiring immediate attention.
Who to contact to request further information?
To request further information about the Property Team’s in-house survey programme please contact Adrian Smith who is based at Eaves Brook on 01772 765600 or alternatively contact Harvest Response on 0345 345 0272.
