Improving our tenants’ homes

The three-bedroom dormer bungalow is home to three tenants, with support provided by Lifeways. Before the wet room was built, there was just one bathroom which had a specialist bath and a toilet, but no space for a shower.

With only one bathroom between support staff, visitors and three tenants, the situation in the property was often difficult. Support worker Kyle says: “The lack of toilet facilities has meant we sometimes had to leave the property and use the bathroom at local businesses.”

“The first step in a build project like this is identifying customer needs,” says Phil McNulty, Progress Housing Group’s Senior Contracts Manager. “After that, we engage with architects and planners, and carry out a feasibility study. We review it with the Financial Appraisal Team to ensure we’ve got budget in place, and from here we will carry out a formal procurement exercise and work alongside the winning supplier.”

One of Progress Housing Group’s existing contractors were awarded the contract and the build took a couple of months to complete. “I’m proud to say that Mahoney’s have provided a high quality build with excellent workmanship,” says Phil. “There was zero disruption to the tenants during the extensive work.”

No disruption to tenants

Support worker Kyle was full of praise as there was no disruption to utilities and of course, no need to consider a decant. Essentially, the property has now been future-proofed. “Having a second toilet will allow the void room to be filled because now the property can accommodate the needs of four tenants.”

"Completing this adaption has made such a difference to our tenants and the staff who support them,” says Carly Mustoe, RWP’s Head of Housing Operations. “By updating our properties to meet our tenants changing needs, we can improve with their surroundings while keeping them in the home they love.”

Excellent planning and due diligence to minimise the disruption to tenants was key to the success of the build project. “The scope and schedule of work was amended in line with our tenants’ needs. The thorough planning of the project by Progress and Mahoney’s allowed the work to be completed to time and within budget,” explains Phil.

“I’m sure I’m not alone when I extend my thanks to Mahoney’s for coming in on budget and on time, meeting all the health and safety requirements and achieving the highest quality. A special thank you to Supported Living Housing Officer Ilir and Contracts Surveyor Dean for their hard work on this project. It has been a real collaborative effort which will have a huge positive impact on our tenants and care provider.”