A project mainly comprising window replacement plus various other works to 263 flats and houses is underway on the Queens Road Estate in Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, for London & Quadrant Housing Association.
Main Contractors for the project are The Art of Decorating Ltd.
The properties include a mixture of flats, maisonettes and houses and are of 1980s construction.
Several thousand powder coated aluminium framed windows fitted with Pilkington K glass will be installed over the life of the project, with the works ranging from approximately 4 to 13 windows installed per property. The project also includes the replacement of rear external doors to houses.
Initially a surveyor visits each property to measure up, then scaffolding is erected after the old windows and doors are removed and the replacements installed. The replacement units are designed to match the originals as closely as possible. In some cases the installation includes floor to ceiling height windows, or fully insulated wooden panels with double glazing above – for example over worktops in kitchens.
The project is being carried out in three phases, with the first phase of 91 properties located within a conservation area being largely complete. Phase 2 is also largely complete and comprised works to approximately 75 homes, with the remainder of the properties now being completed in Phase 3. Also to be completed are works to four flats in phase 2 and the flats and maisonettes in phase 3 (this is due to the project awaiting imminent discharge of planning permission).
Additional works in the project include ground maintenance repairs such as taking up, levelling and re-bedding brick paviours which have sunk over the years, and the erection of post and rail heavy duty fencing, as well as associated path and brickwork repairs.
Further works include staining/repainting/repairing all remaining timber front entrance doors, as well as garage doors, gas meter cupboard doors and bin store doors. Other works include carrying out roof inspections and carrying out any repairs required to guttering and downpipes, as well as installing Leafguard mesh to gutters to prevent blocking.
The project is expected to be completed just before Christmas 2011.
The Art of Decorating have carried out contracts for London & Quadrant Housing Association for many years and were presented with the organisation’s Maintenance Contractor of the Year Award in 2010, beating off competition from much larger companies.