Environmentally friendly cosmetic repair service for social housing, landlords and councils

Fixing damage and carrying out repairs to surfaces in both void and tenanted properties, we save housing associations, councils and private landlords time and money, by repairing a huge range of items, such as damaged baths or worktops that would otherwise be ripped out and sent to landfill.

In order to maintain a steady stock of available properties, housing associations need to turn around damage and refurbishment to properties quickly and in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible, and our quality rapid repair service helps them do just that. Typical repairs executed for void and tenanted properties include making good chips, scratches or other damage to doors, work-surfaces, kitchen units, window frames and bathroom suites.

An important aspect of our service is the way tenant liaison is managed. Once the client has requested a repair from our national call centre, the customer care team sends out a letter the same day by first class post: giving both the time frame for the appointment and details of which Finisher will be carrying out the work. This includes their name, photograph and van registration number. A definite appointment is then made by telephone and the work carried out.

In the case of unoccupied properties, our personnel will collect the keys, provide power through our own generators – again saving the housing association money – return the keys and file their report. For many housing associations, our approach as a 'paperless' operation, and commitment to technology is a key benefit. Plastic Surgeon team members input all relevant data and information in real time through special hand-held units: known as the Mobile Finishers.

Through our paperless commitment, we have the technology to set up the order process according to a client's specific preferences. Many housing trusts have their own site surveyors who visit the housing units, list the repairs needed, take photos of the damage, and submit these to us online. We then assess the damage, advise whether the situation requires repair or replacement, and forward an estimate of costs and time required.

An additional benefit is our online reporting system, VisibilITy. The customer can log in and download all relevant data - from repair requests and work done to reports and invoices. This allows clients to track trends such as where most of the damage is occurring, which items are being damaged most, what repairs are being carried out and at what cost. This system also allows customers to track the wider green issues. Customers can see at a glance, for example, how much they have saved in environmental terms in any given month.