Councils reaction, to work without permission?

Discussion in 'Plumbers' Talk' started by Pablo-Handy, Feb 21, 2017.

  1. Pablo-Handy

    Pablo-Handy Member

    A woman I am a Carer for, last year had supposed helper in. They decided to undertake modifications on her council property. Dropping radiator pipes, removing radiators, floor tiling the rooms and wall to wall in toilet. Replacing Skirting with tile Skirting. He was asked to leave as the whole house was like a building site and she is very ill with Diabetes and Addisons disease and he was stressing her out. Me and some friends have picked up the gauntlet and have tried to Finnish the work to a good standard.
    She's absolutely afraid she is going to get evicted for the work that has been done. And is becoming very ill.
    The council property servayer soon wants access to the property to assess.

    How much trouble will she be in, whats the likely outcome?

    Please only respond if you have experience on the matter.

    This is within a London Borough.

    Kind regards.
     
  2. Pollowick

    Pollowick Screwfix Select

    I cannot help with the issues and outcome.

    One thing I will say is make sure you or another person are there at all times when the surveyor is there. Preferably two people, one to answer questions, and one to note down the questions and replies. Also, speak with te surveryor before hand to ensure he is fully aware of her condition.
     
  3. Pablo-Handy

    Pablo-Handy Member

    Thanks good advice.

    I'm hoping that if the work has been done to a good standard. The outcome won't be too harsh.
     
  4. dan_m2k

    dan_m2k Member

    Ex housing officer here, so hopefully I can help.

    First, what's happened in the lead up to this situation. You mention she didn't have permission but now a surveyor is coming round so they must know something is up?

    Assuming they know now that works have started, its essential that there's a record of what the works are and why they're required (specific medical reasons and how they'll make her life better or tolerable) this needs to be a solid justification.

    Most local authorities know the realities of adapting a property to meet specialised needs, and by doing so they can keep someone off the waiting list for such a property, and improve their stats, so you're probably not going to get too much opposition if there is a solid case of why the works were necessary and get permission retroactively.

    The way we'd do it is ask for a letter from the tenant, their doctor or social worker (or ideally at least two of the above) stating why they need the adaptations and the issue a permission letter. The letter would usually state it needs to be done to a good standard, current regs, and reversed if they move out - though this last point was rarely enforced. My advice would be to obtain such a letter ASAP.

    In terms of the current state of the work, perhaps a better approach would be to get the appropriate permissions and manage the expectation of the surveyor that the works are a few days, or weeks off being completed to the standard required and plan the visit around that. There's no point creating more drama and paperwork (something the surveyor will thank you for) viewing an incomplete project.
     
    Pablo-Handy likes this.
  5. Pablo-Handy

    Pablo-Handy Member

    Thank you very much for the advice.

    We're just going to put the guy off until we've Finnished decorating.

    As there's no sense of urgency. He's taking his time getting back to make an appointment. Not banging at the door. So that's promising.

    Just a little icing to do, and then face the music. But will pop down citizens advice soon.

    I don't feel she will get evicted if it's done to a good standard. I just recon they will need to get their people in to assess plumbing etc and if anything needs improving shell will get billed for it.

    Plastic connectors have been used in conjunction with copper pipe in the toilet plumbing and a short run of plastic pipe to the towl rail under the bath. Do you think these should be replaced with compression fittings? As I think council like everything in brass.

    I am heading your advice but, if everything looks standard when they come in, it might stop them looking further into stuff. :)
     
  6. Pablo-Handy

    Pablo-Handy Member

    We will approach the doc for a letter and if the guy does get funny, then get social services involved. They are a last resort, as due to them she has lost her kids to her abusive ex. Another story....
     
  7. dan_m2k

    dan_m2k Member

    Social services / doctor would be first port of call to get the justification letter. It kind of doesn't matter to what standard the work is done if it's without permission or justification for it, without it, they have every right to tell her to rip it all out, as it's a rented home.
     
  8. joinerjohn1

    joinerjohn1 Screwfix Select

    Worst case scenario, the council could insist on the property being re-instated to it's original condition. Depends what the "modifications" have been done for though. Tiling a bathroom isn't something they've usually bother about as it would be classed as internal decoration (and you don't normally ask council permission to decorate,, do you?) Why have radiators been removed? Why have radiator pipes been dropped? Could be that moving a radiator allows better access? In which case you could say this was necessary/ has improved the property for her.
     
  9. Pablo-Handy

    Pablo-Handy Member

    Radiator pipes were dropped under floor level in lounge, in gap round edge of concrete floor. Screeded over now under laminate flooring and Skirting. Was unsightly before, gathering dust.

    A rad has been removed in the bathroom and replaced with an end of bath towl rail.

    Bathroom is wall to wall tiles, with and a shower bar fitted in void behind tap end of bath. A hole has been cut out internal wall to accommodate at led mirror cabinet.
    Two holes have been made in wall near taps as neiches. Looks a pucker job.

    Bath replaced with p shape shower bath and new sink added with under cabinet.

    Also extra ceilings added in bathroom and toilet to accommodate mini spot bulbs.

    New toilet in toilet enclosure.

    Under floor heating electrics have been hidden for now.

    Actually the only problem we have encountered is the old unreliable stop taps that drip or stick when used.

    The flat will look like a show home in comparison to its previous state.

    I'm just thinking of getting everything checked over and certified soon. As back up *** covering. :)
     
  10. joinerjohn1

    joinerjohn1 Screwfix Select

    From what you've said there I don't think the lady has anything to worry about, if anything, should she decide to leave the property, she could claim from the council for the value she's added to the property. one of our neighbours had a new kitchen (council fitted) some years ago and decided they wanted nice , thicker worktops and new tiling. (council worktops were the standard 30mm ones, now replaced with 50mm worktops) They also had a new inset sink. Council have already told him that if they leave within a certain period of time, they would pay them some compensation for the improvements they have done.

    Yes get everything certified (that needs certification,, electrics probably)
     
  11. Pablo-Handy

    Pablo-Handy Member

    Yeah the guy who started the work said she could be compensated. And that the flats being old, might be pulled down after ten years. So I can't see an issue. The only concern is their old plumbing.
    And if she wanted to move, she could do a house swap and I can't see putting it back to a poop state as beneficial.

    I'm thinking of getting a plumber in to repair mains stop valve. It's a female dog to get to, behind bath head end. Between a spaghetti junction of pipes. If council guys do it, they might try n take the bath out first. Good luck on that front. So I think an independent will give more consideration. Hopefully they can just repair the tap. It's well old.

    Thanks for advice. :)
     
  12. Pablo-Handy

    Pablo-Handy Member


    Hi Dan. We've pretty much put the house back together now. But I want to put the pipework back above the floor in the lounge as it was. Paint it with magnolia and add some fluff to make it look un touched. Then face the music.

    Anyway. The woman I care for is getting quite ill. She's convinced she's done criminal damage and is facing court or eviction.
    Obviously she's become quite paranoid.

    The flat looks like a show home in comparison to its former self.

    Unfortunately CAB and Shelter are hard work in communicating. Don't do phone talk, email or bookings. Going to try CAB walk in Monday.

    Anyway, I was wondering if you would be willing to speak with her on the phone?

    Just to put her at ease. :)
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice