Major works

What major works are

Major works are large-scale capital improvements to your block or your home — for example new windows, roof renewal, structural repairs, communal heating renewals, fire safety upgrades, or external repairs. They are different from day-to-day repairs and are planned through our Capital Delivery Team. Our 2026/27 capital programme is worth more than £15.2 million.

Alternative accommodation during major works

If you are a council tenant and major works need to be carried out to your home, it may be possible to arrange temporary accommodation while the works take place.

Whether temporary accommodation is needed depends on your personal circumstances and the extent of the works. We will discuss this with you and your household before any decision is made, and we will explain what to expect at every stage.

In most cases this won't be necessary and we will be able to carry out works around you.

Questions or concerns about major works

If you have any questions or concerns about major works to your home, please contact us on 0300 1234 161 or email assets@cornwallhousing.org.uk and ask for the Capital Delivery Team.

If you are a leaseholder

Under the terms of your lease, you contribute to the cost of major works to your block. By law we must consult you under Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 before:

• Carrying out works that will cost you more than £250 individually, or
• Entering into a long-term agreement that will cost you more than £100 per year for any service.

The consultation has four stages:

• Notice of Intention — we describe the proposed works and invite your written observations within 30 days. You can nominate an alternative contractor.
• Notice of Estimates — we share costs and your estimated contribution and invite further observations within 30 days.
• Award — we consider all observations. If we proceed with a contractor that was not the lowest tender or was not nominated by leaseholders, we issue a Statement of Reasons within 21 days.
• Works and final billing — works are carried out and final invoices are issued in accordance with your lease.

Access for survey work

From time to time we may need access to your home to carry out surveys before works begin. The most common reasons are:

• Surveys ahead of major repairs or improvements
• Stock condition surveys to keep our records of every home up to date
• Specialist surveys, including asbestos refurbishment-and-demolition (R&D) surveys carried out before any major works (this is a legal requirement)
• Health and safety inspections including fire risk assessments, electrical condition reports, and gas safety checks

Identification

Anyone calling at your home to carry out a survey will have a pre-arranged appointment and will carry identification. Please do not allow anyone into your home without seeing their identification. If you are in any doubt about whether a caller is genuine, please call us on 0300 1234 161 before letting them in.