Making changes to the inside of your home

This information applies to customers who rent, leaseholders, and Shared Owners.

Read on to learn more. 

Jump to:

• Can I install cavity or loft insulation?
• Can I change my gas or electric meter/provider?
• Can I redecorate and put up shelving/pictures?
• Can I lay my own flooring?
• Can I replace internal doors?
• Can I undertake a large renovation project (e.g. new kitchen, bathroom, decking)?
• Can I install a log or wood burner?
  
  

Can I install cavity or loft insulation?

Not at the moment. We are currently negotiating a master Energy Savings Performance Agreement with Anesco Energy Services, which would potentially enable us to add any suitable scheme from our portfolio for an all-inclusive consideration of energy saving solutions.

By packaging up combinations of measures, this can release additional funding and subsidise our planned maintenance programme. For example, cavity insulation may be a qualifying criteria to receive money towards gas boiler upgrades or renewable heating systems.

We are currently analysing our homes to ensure we target those that are most in need first. Secondly we want to ensure the quality and consistency of new installations. Last, but by no means least, we are striving to obtain the best value in improving the energy efficiency of your home.

Can I change my gas and electric meter/provider?

If you pay for your gas or electricity through your service charge, you cannot change your utility supplier or your meter type because it is a communal supply.

Our Energy Hub is full of tips and advice to help you get the most out of your energy supply and save money.

If you do not pay for utilities through your service charge, then you don't need our permission to change supplier. All changes are between you and the utility company so you will need to contact them directly.

You can find out who your gas supplier is on Find My Supplier.

You can find out who your electricity supplier is by contacting your network operator.

For more information on permissions for your property and tenancy type, log in to MyHome (then go to 'My Requests').

Can I redecorate my property or put up shelving/pictures?

If your property is within the defects period (less than 12 months old), you must only use emulsion and should not wallpaper or use gloss paint until after the final defect check. Otherwise cracks may form in the plaster. 

Please do not put up any pictures or shelving until after the final defect check because of the possibility of cracks in the plaster. After the final defect check has been successfully completed, you are welcome to put up pictures and shelves and use wallpaper and gloss too.

If your property is outside of the defects period, it’s fine to paint or wallpaper your property, as long as the colours you choose can be easily painted over by future residents. Please avoid very dark or very bright colours.

It's also fine to fit pictures and shelving. This is your home and we want it to feel that way. However, you will need to remove them at the end of your tenancy and any fill in any holes in the wall.

Please be considerate when carrying out DIY, ensuring that any drilling and hammering is carried out at a reasonable time of day (our anti-social behaviour team advise between 8am and 9pm).

If your home has been built with Passivhaus technology, please contact us to discuss your options for putting up shelving and pictures, so the technology is not damaged.

For more information on permissions for your property and tenancy type, log in to MyHome (then go to 'My Requests').

Can I lay my own flooring?

Whether you can lay your own flooring will depend on your property type and agreement with us.

Can I replace internal doors?

You can replace internal doors, but there are a few things you need to be aware of first.

If there are any fire doors within your property, then any replacement needs to be of the same standard. A fire door is:

• 44mm thick or more
• not hollow
• often but not exclusively above 1st floor

Any replacement fire doors will need to be installed by approved contractor and a certificate provided to Stonewater.

Any glazed doors must be made of safety glass. 

If you remove an internal door, you need to keep it – as we may need to reinstall it if you move out. If you do not keep the original door, and the replacement does not meet the required standard, then you will be charged for this cost.

Can I undertake a large home improvement (e.g. new kitchen, new bathroom, decking)?

You will need to discuss large-scale renovation projects with a Stonewater surveyor first. Please contact us to discuss your plans and to seek our permission.

Please note - there may be an admin fee for permissions granted. This varies depending on the complexity of the request.

Can I install a log or wood burner? 

If you rent your home and/or live in a flat, we're unable to grant permission for log or wood burner.

If you own a house, please contact us and one of our specialist surveyors and our Home Ownership team will be in touch to advise on whether this is possible. We will need to consider both the structural and environmental implications.

At Stonewater we are dedicated to enhancing the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of our properties. That’s why we provide appropriate heating systems and ensure they are regularly inspected and maintained. If you’re experiencing any issues with your heating system, don’t hesitate to contact us.