Seddon were appointed as principal contractor for the Internal and External Cyclical Decoration programme of works. Irwell Valley is a long-standing client who we have built a relationship with, which has resulted in an extremely high level of product and customer and resident satisfaction.
Works included external decoration to previously painted surfaces and cleaning to all uPVC elements and gutter lines. Internal decoration also took place to communal areas such as corridors, lounges, staircases, kitchens and laundry areas. We also completed fire upgrading to communal areas. General reapirs were also conducted, including kitchen and bathroom replacements, and coping works.
Overview of Works
As part of our role delivering outcomes for Irwell Valley we agreed the following processes to enable the smoothing of works on the project:
- Sequence of tasks and programme - understanding the property portfolio by surveying in advance and agreeing scope of works and cost. Agreed programme of works and sequence of operations.
- Role of Site Supervisors - Coordinated and managed daily activities along with liaising closely with Irwell Valley Homes representatives and Scheme managers.
- Role of Painting Site Team - Carried out tasks in line with Irwell Valley Homes site specific specification to a high standard with zero defects
- Fire Upgrades - Dulux paint has carried out scratch tests and flake analysis on communal areas to determine the scheme specific specification and signed them off upon completion. This in turn has upgraded the painted surfaces in each scheme to be Class O fire rated, which was an outcome and benefit realisation to Irwell Valley Homes.
- Sign off processes - Interim quality inspections have been carried out by the Site Supervisor and Dulux to monitor and record preparation and coating systems that have been applied, in line with the manufacturers specification.
Social Value
‘The Picture House’, a six-story residential building in Bolton town centre. was internally decorated by the team as a donation as part of our Corporate Social Responsibilities.
Customer Involvement
Irwell Valley acted as principal designer and contract administrator to the project. Prior to the award, the leaseholders were involved in the consultation process. Spectra Group who are the external safety consultants appointed by Irwell Valley Homes, had an invested interest in the project to ensure health and safety is at the forefront of our operations.
Customer Engagement
It is important to maintain excellent communication with customers and stakeholders, valuing open and honest discussions. The team held weekly progress meetings to provide updates and the opportunity to discuss anything of concern. Handovers of residential properties were conducted once a month, ensuring each property is completed to a high quality standard.
Challenges
As these works were conducted throughout live residential properties, it is important we communicated with residents to ensure works can be carried out safely and with little to no disruption.
Outcomes and Benefits
This programme was successfully completed on time and on budget ensuring disruption was kept to a minimum throughout the scheme. It is rewarding to replenish and refresh residents’ properties, providing an improvement to each home, which is shown through receiving 90% customer satisfaction.