A huge stock condition survey of all Muir properties is set to help future-proof homes for residents.
Nik Evans, Assistant Director of Property Services at Muir Group Housing Association (pictured above), launched the survey in March to kick-start a five-year plan of property improvements destined to enhance a host of energy, value, compliance and aesthetic aspects. But despite being hampered by COVID-19, Nik says the future still starts now for residents as the survey of all of Muir’s more than 5,500 properties swings back into action.
“This is a massive piece of work and a huge undertaking for Muir,” Nik said. “Muir is surveying all its properties before kick-starting a new five-year planned programme of works, designed to provide residents with upgraded homes.
“It demonstrates our commitment to providing homes residents can be proud of, which continue to meet and emulate the Decent Homes Standard. This will allow us to develop enhanced energy efficiency strategies from the data we procure and ensure our homes deliver even greater value for money.
“The project will help to support our Health and Safety responsibilities and will include a review around fire safety management to ensure we maintain our compliance with changing requirements in the social housing sector; while also improving the appearance of properties for residents in our areas.”
As well as covering all Muir homes, the survey includes the Association’s Independent Living and supported schemes.
Muir’s Property Services department has already expanded to help drive the project, having relaunched last year as Nik oversaw a restructure to enhance service delivery.
“This expansion of the team is designed to take Muir’s Property Services department to the next level,” said Nik. “The extra resource will boost services for residents in our North and East regions, and allow us to effectively manage the outcomes of the stock condition survey being conducted on our behalf by Michael Dyson Associates.
“Ultimately, this is about continuing to deliver high standards of affordable living in houses residents can be proud of, maintaining excellent levels of compliance, and continuing to provide homes fit for futures at Muir.”
