Plan a void refurbishment around a clear handover

Start with the property condition

A void refurbishment brings an empty property back into use. The first useful step is a room-by-room record of the existing condition, the work required and the decisions still open. Separate repairs from replacements so the scope can be reviewed before a programme is agreed.

Define what ready means

Provide the housing provider’s specification and handover requirements. Identify the rooms, fixtures, surfaces and finishes included. Note whether kitchen, bathroom or wet room works sit within this package, and where another contractor or specialist needs to be involved.

Work back from the target date

Tell the contractor the intended handover date and any tenancy dependency. Then discuss the work sequence, material availability and approval points. A requested deadline needs to be assessed against the actual scope before it becomes a confirmed programme.

Record the decisions that could hold up the work, such as a kitchen selection, a replacement fitting or access for another trade. Decide who can resolve each one and how the team should raise it.

Make access and approvals clear

Identify the person arranging access, the person approving the scope and the person reviewing completion. Discuss how additional work discovered during the refurbishment will be recorded and agreed. Keep access codes and resident information out of an initial website enquiry.

Agree the completion evidence

Set out what the client requires at handover: for example, a review against the agreed schedule, a snagging list, photographs or documents for relevant specialist work. These requirements should form part of the agreed package, rather than being assumed at the end.

Your void refurbishment brief

• Property address, type and current condition
• Room-by-room schedule and required finish
• Repairs, replacements and excluded work
• Materials to be supplied and outstanding selections
• Access arrangements and other trades to coordinate
• Target handover date and approval contacts
• Variation process and completion requirements

OSPM’s social housing services include wet rooms, kitchens, reactive maintenance and quick-turnaround void refurbishment. For privately managed rental homes, explore our estate agency and landlord services.