We have a continual home improvement programme that includes upgrading, refurbishing, and replacing:

  • Kitchens and bathrooms
  • Boilers and heating systems
  • Windows and external doors
  • Roofs
  • Irwell Valley Employee painting the wall with a roller

    What to expect when we carry out improvements in your home

    Having home improvements is exciting but can be a little disruptive. We aim to make the process as smooth as possible so you can enjoy your newly upgraded home!

Woman on the phone pressing the button

We will contact you to discuss the what’s involved and offer you choices where we can. We will give you plenty of time to ask any questions and prepare for the work.

The choices you have will depend on the type of works carried out but can include:

  • Kitchens: choice of range of cabinets, door finishes, handles, tiling, flooring, and worktops.
  • Bathrooms: choice of bathroom suites, tiling, flooring.
  • External doors: choice of colour and style.

Please help us by

  • Keeping any appointments made with you and if you need to rearrange, give us 24 hours' notice before the appointment is due.
  • Empty cupboards, move furniture if requested, and store away anything which is fragile, sentimental, or valuable.
  • Clean and tidy any areas that we will need access to before we arrive.
An Irwell Valley Employee posing on his van

There may be some disruption while work is being carried out at your home, but we will do our very best to minimise this.

Please help us by:

  • Giving us plenty of space to work.
  • Looking after pets and children and keeping them out of the areas we are working.
  • Keeping skips clear of household rubbish.
  • Respecting our staff and contractors.
Irwell Valley Employee in a hardhat and high vis looking at the note pad

Depending on the works, we may carry out an inspection.

You will also receive a short survey to let us know how well we did.

Please share your experience to help us learn what we are doing right and if we need to improve.

 

  • A man holding a paint brush painting the wall blue

    Making alterations or improvements yourself

    Make your home your own

    We understand that you will want to put your own stamp on your home, and we encourage you to decorate and make it your own!

    If you’re thinking about making any alterations or improvements, either inside or outside your home, you must apply for permission through our Home Improvement Application before starting any work. This allows us to make sure the work is safe, does not affect the structure of your home, and does not negatively impact your neighbours.

     

    Alterations and improvements we commonly allow through a completed Home Improvement Application include:

    • Exterior painting.
    • Installing sheds or garden buildings.
    • Fitting laminate or tiled flooring.
    • Installing fitted wardrobes.

     

    Work that we are unable to give permission for includes:

    • Any work that alters the structure of your home, such as knocking down walls.
    • Electrical alterations or rewiring.
    • Gas-related works.
    • Radiator or heating system changes.
    • Loft conversions or cellar conversions.
    • Installing patio doors.
    • Installing cat flaps.
    • Installing log burners or open fires.
    • Any work that would have a significant impact on your neighbours.     

    Important information about asbestos

    Some of our homes contain asbestos‑containing materials. Asbestos is safe if it is in good condition and left undisturbed, but it can pose a health risk if it is damaged or interfered with.

     

    For this reason, permission is required for alterations or improvements so we can make sure the work can be carried out safely and without risk to you, your household, or contractors.

     

    If you’re unsure whether permission is required, please contact us before starting any work — we’re always happy to help and advise.

                                                                    

You can read our full Home Alterations and Improvements policy below

Apply to alter or improve your home

Please complete the form below or call us on 0300 561 1111 to ask for a paper copy.

Once we’ve got your application, we will let you know if you’re okay to go ahead with the work or explain why it’s not possible.

If work is carried out without permission, we can ask you to put it back to its original condition so it’s important to ask first.

We’re here to help if you have any questions.

Request an improvement

I will be responsible for all costs involved. All appropriate safety regulations and legislation will be adhered to. The work will be carried out by a competent tradesperson who is adequately qualified and appropriately insured. I will be responsible for any ongoing maintenance costs associated with the works carried out. If appropriate, Planning Permission and/or a Building Control approval has been obtained before work starts. This information has been provided to the Repairs Inspector in advance of the work commencing. All installation of gas appliances, or any work to gas pipes, will be carried out by a Gas Safe registered Contractor. Certification will be provided to the Gas & Electrical Manager as soon as is practicably possible. Any electrical alterations will be undertaken by a competent and suitably qualified person or contractor. Upon completion, a minor electrical installation certificate will be completed and provided to the Repairs Inspector as soon as is practicably possible. IVH will retain ownership of any fixtures or fittings and they must not be removed without the Association’s permission. The work must be completed within 6 months of the approval date. In the event that work is not completed within 6 months, a new application will be required. We reserve the right to restore the property to its original condition, if the improvements or alterations are not finished to an acceptable standard, or if any of the other criteria have not been met. The customer will be responsible for paying any costs associated with this work. No works should be carried out unless written approval has been received.

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to grant permission for EV chargers in flats. We are actively looking for a solution to this.

Unfortunately, without a dedicated space to charge your car without it affecting others we are unable to approve your application. *if you are currently applying for a driveway and a dropped kerb – which is arranged through the local authority - please re-visit this form once this work is complete. Before commencing any driveway works, please ensure you complete one of our ‘Permission to alter or improve’ forms which you can find here. It’s important you don’t proceed with any work until you have been given permission by Irwell Valley Homes.

Unfortunately, this space is unsuitable because of its proximity to the bedroom.

When you consider this point, think about when entering or exiting the property in the dark or during an emergency.

Unfortunately, this location is not suitable due to the trip hazard.

We may be able to approve your request for an EV charger to be installed. Please check the statements below and tick the box to confirm you agree to these conditions. We will then be in touch with the outcome of your application.

  • I agree that if I end my tenancy and leave the equipment on the wall, ownership of this equipment will transfer to Irwell Valley Homes.

  • Any work will need an asbestos report completing prior to works being carried out. This will be paid for by Irwell Valley Homes but I must wait until the report is completed and signed off before arranging any works.

  • I understand that any other installation work related to the charger will be at my expense.

  • I will provide a method statement of installation from an electrical installation company ahead of any works beginning. This will include a detailed cable route inside and out and information about the protective devices that will be used.

  • I understand that all works must be to the current BS7671 A3 electrical regulations and code of practice electric vehicle 5th edition.

  • I understand that it must be a mode 3 charger with PEN protection as a minimum standard. Yes/No.

  • I agree that an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will be completed on the property by Irwell Valley Homes if there is not currently one in date.

If your application is approved and you have the EV charger fitted:

  • I agree to provide electrical installation certificates and Building Control notification to Irwell Valley Homes no later than 21 days after the completed installation.

  • I will send photographs of the installation to my Neighbourhood Officer to show the completed works

  • I will ensure that the charger is registered with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and will provide Irwell Valley Homes with a reference number that can be checked against a database. (This is usually arranged by the electrician who is installing the charger.)