Improvement Programme

Yorkshire Coast Homes aims to bring all of its properties up to a modern standard by the end of 2009. We want to make sure that our tenants live in comfortable, warm and modern homes, fit for the future. By 2009 we hope to have invested £57 million on:
• Central heating
• Double-glazed PVCu windows
• Cavity wall and loft insulation
• Electrical re-wiring
• New kitchens 
• New bathrooms
• Environmental improvements

Where possible, our tenants will be given at least 28 days notice of improvement works to be carried out. We work with our tenants to design improvements to suit their homes, circumstances and lifestyles.

Central Heating Improvements

Since transferring, Yorkshire Coast Homes has installed 2,732 traditional central heating systems in properties across the Borough. In addition to this, a scheme to install 51 Air Source Heat pump systems in rural communities is expected to be completed by April 2008.

Most central heating improvements have seen gas combi boilers fitted to properties that previously were without gas, or where the existing systems failed to meet the governments decent homes standard.

Where gas is not available YCH have identified a "green energy solution" that is environmentally friendly, efficient, and will provide the same benefits as a traditional heating system to communities that are not on the gas network. These systems use the air outside, and through a process akin to a refrigerator working in reverse, heat radiators within the property. They use the heat from the air outside to heat a water cylinder and when working efficiently can produce 3kw of heat for 1 kw of electricity. The systems have proved extremely successful on the continent, and have been used in Scandinavia and Germany for many years.

PVCu Windows and Doors

4,015 properties have already benefited from the installation of PVCu windows and doors, with the programme completed two years ahead of schedule. A small number of properties are still without the improvements, as they lie within conservation areas; alternatives are currently being identified that would provide the same benefits of PVCu windows and doors in these areas.

Cavity Wall and Loft Insulation

By the end of March 2008 it is anticipated that 4,323 properties will have cavity wall and loft insulation improvements completed. This helps the properties retain heat, and become more energy efficient by enabling customers to reduce their heating bills.

Electrical Rewires

While conducting the kitchen and bathroom improvements, if it is identified that properties require rewiring to bring the electrics up to the current standard, the works will be completed at this point to minimise future disruption to our customers.

Kitchen and Bathroom Improvement Programme

Yorkshire Coast Homes currently have 2 contractors working on the Kitchen and Bathroom Improvements throughout 2008, with a total of 1,175 properties already allocated a contractor for the improvements in the first phases of works, with a total of 3,900 properties with the improved kitchens and bathrooms by December 2009

In the other pages of this section a breakdown of the streets that we will be working in, and number of properties to benefit from the works can be found. Any queries regarding the improvement programme should be forward to our Property Services Section at Brook House on 0845 065 5656, or direct to the local housing office.