Thinking of changing rooms this spring?

If you’re thinking of decorating a room or two, then read our useful guide on DIY and home improvements in your council property. We’ve even got videos for you to watch to ensure you achieve a professional finish!

Before you rush out to buy paint, read this handy ceiling painting calculator or wall painting calculator to work out how many litres of paint you will need.

And check out these step by step videos on how to prepare and then paint a wall to achieve great results in your home.

If you want to remove Artex please get advice from your local housing office or call our asbestos team on 023 8083 2170. Generally we don’t remove Artex so if you have Artex that needs repairing let us know and we will repair and match the style where possible.

Asbestos was widely used as a building material until the mid-1980s. You should have been given an information sheet telling you where, or if, asbestos is to be found in your home and what to do to avoid damaging it. If you don’t have this information please contact your local housing office for the information before you start any decorating work.

Decorating vouchers and paint packs

If you move into a property with poor decoration we will give you a painting pack to decorate your home. Or, if we have carried out a repair such as damp and mould treatment, and the wall needs repainting we may give you B&Q vouchers to help with the cost of redecorating it yourself. If you do receive vouchers or a paint pack you can only use this to decorate your property.

You are free to decorate inside your home to your own style and taste and to put up any shelving, but remember, if you want to make bigger changes then you need to get our written permission before you start any work.  

You must tell us before you change the structure of the property or alter any of the fixtures and fittings. Here are some examples of common improvements which need our permission:

• Adding, moving or rewiring electrics
• Adding to or changing your heating or hot water system
• Fitting a new kitchen, bathroom or shower
• Fitting a laminate or wood flooring
• Putting in a driveway, hard-standing or paved parking area
• Installing outside CCTV cameras/equipment
• Installing a smart meter
• Erecting a fence or decking
• Installing a lean-to or any structure to the building/garden

A full list of what you’ll need our permission for is here, or talk to your Local Housing Office. And if you’re planning something major like adding a conservatory or porch you must also obtain planning permission or building regulations.

If or when you move out of your council home, remember that your property will need to meet the moving out standard.