Investment in your home

When will investment work in my home be done? 

Every year we plan which homes need upgrades to maintain your home in the long term. 

To do this, we carry out stock condition surveys which are a tool to help us plan for repairs and future investment in homes. Below are commonly asked questions we have answered, to help you understand more about it.  

What is a stock condition survey? 

A stock condition survey is a visual inspection of the inside and outside of your home and the surveyor checks the condition of fixtures and fittings, kitchen, bathroom, roof, windows, doors etc. 

Part of the survey will include photographs of the main items and rooms, along with photographs of the front and rear of your home and any external spaces.  

The survey does not collect information on any outstanding repairs at your home.  

If you need a repair, please report this to using the My Account portal. It’s quick and easy to use, and you can use it 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Alternatively, please call our Contact Centre on 0161 393 7117. 

How often do we carry out stock condition surveys? 

We will carry out a stock condition survey at your home every 4-5 years. 

What happens during a stock condition survey? 

The surveyor will look at all areas of your home, downstairs and upstairs, along with any cellar, roof space, garden, and external areas where applicable. The surveyor will be looking at components of your home such as bathrooms, kitchen, windows, and doors, not at how clean or tidy it is. 

How long will the survey take? 

The survey will take no longer than 30 minutes, depending on the size of your home. 

Who carries out stock condition surveys? 

We work with specialist contractors who are experienced in carrying out the surveys. 

How will you know if your home has been selected for a stock condition survey? 

We will write to you with details of the contractor who will be carrying out the survey, and what you need to do for the survey to be carried out effectively. 

What does the stock condition survey mean for you and your home? 

The survey is not about immediate improvements to your home, unless of course there is an immediate risk to you or your household. The information collected will be used for long-term planning and improvement works. 

What do you need to do if your home is due a stock condition survey? 

When your home is due for a stock condition survey, we will contact you at least two weeks before a surveyor is due to arrive in your area. We do not set individual appointments, as our surveyors work by area. However, if you need a specific time, please contact us using the details in the letter you receive. 

Under the terms of your tenancy agreement with us, you must allow our teams and contractors access to your home to carry out inspections like your stock condition survey so we can plan for repairs and future investment in your home and we thank you for your co-operation. 

Beware of bogus callers and always check ID 

All FCHO staff and contractors we work with always carry photo ID. 

If someone visits your home claiming to be from FCHO or a firm linked with us, always check their ID. If you are still suspicious about them, call our Contact Centre on 0161 393 7117.