PROJECTS
How we got five families back in their severely fire damaged homes within six months
An substantial restoration of five terraced houses, after a large fire rapidly caused extensive structural and surface damage to the properties. It was a challenging reinstatement to get five families back in their homes as quickly and smoothly as possible.
The details
Overview:
Reinstatement of five fire-damaged terraced homes.
Managing Surveyors:
Gateley Smithers Purslow
Client:
Housing Solutions
Location:
Calcot, Reading
Duration:
6 months
Works included:
- Strip out of everything down to the underlying structure
- Rebuild masonry and structural elements
- Repairs to steelwork and block work
- Installation of a new truss roof
- New doors, windows, plastering, electrics, plumbing and decoration.
The challenges
Replacing unusual features to match the rest of the estate
The terrace had a distinctive design, with unusual roof tiles and brickwork. Any repairs needed to match other homes on the estate. We were unable to find exact replacements for the roof tiles, but with some careful engineering we were able to restore the buildings in a style that matched the rest of the estate.
Bringing the homes up to modern standards
It was important that the homes were repaired and renovated to modern building standards. We replaced old water cylinders with modern combi boilers, upgraded the insulation and installed new windows and low energy lighting throughout.
The people
A careful strip out to save what we could
We were careful to look for and keep anything sentimental, we managed to salvage various personal items like photos, wedding certificates and books, and return them to the owners.
A smoother move back in
We were happy to help make the move back in as easy as possible for the residents. One family couldn’t get some bigger furniture items up the stairs, so we removed and replaced the stair rails to make it easier. We re-installed safety guards for another family to keep their toddler safe. And we changed the style of redecoration in another property so that the resident wouldn’t be reminded of the past.
The impact
A swift turnaround meant all five families were back in their homes within six months. We hope the restoration has given them a clean slate – and that our approach helped make a very stressful time a little easier.
“We are deeply grateful to see residents coming back together after such a challenging time. We are committed to supporting our residents to live in safe and sustainable homes and look forward to local people coming back together.”
Steven Brookfield
Director of Property and Development for Housing Solutions
“This project was an outstanding example of how a great working partnership can overcome challenges to deliver a successful outcome. We are pleased to have been able to assist on this project and look forward to seeing the families taking up residency again following the restoration works.”
Nathan Tilford
Project Lead and Operations Director at Gateley Smithers Purslow