Project Details

Our client, L&Q, contracted us to undertake a kitchens and bathrooms replacement program across over 110 properties. For this project, we’ve focused on improving accessibility for a wheelchair user resident in a social housing property in London. This project is dedicated to enhancing both accessibility and functionality within the home.

The project began with an Occupational Therapy (OT) report, along with structural and boiler assessments, gas engineering, and preliminary surveys, including door measurements and service checks to ensure full accessibility to the property.

In the bathroom, we removed the existing fixtures and demolished the wall between the bathroom and toilet to create a single, fully accessible wet room. The new bathroom features non-slip flooring, full waterproofing, and accessibility enhancements like wall-mounted grab rails and foldable shower seat. We installed a wheelchair accessible shower, wash basin, pedestal and standard-size toilet. We upgraded plumbing and electrical systems to support the new features, ensuring that all the controls were within easy reach for the wheelchair user resident.

Resident quote:

“The change in the bathroom has given me a better way of using the space because the wall has been taken down, so it’s bigger. I’m able to turn around in my wheelchair.”

In the kitchen, we carried out significant demolition, including the removal of two larder cupboards, worktops, and kitchen units. The redesigned kitchen now includes lower countertops, pull-out shelves, and appliances with front-facing controls, all aimed at improving accessibility for the wheelchair user resident. We also fitted the kitchen with non-slip flooring to enhance safety and ease of movement.

Laura Watkins, South Delivery Lead from L&Q, said:

“Adapting the kitchen has had a huge impact on mum. She’s able to come down, wash up, get her breakfast, do some cooking and actually just become a member of the family again, having some input into the family.”

To further improve mobility and accessibility to the property, we removed steps, door thresholds, and a large tree at the front entrance. We installed modular ramps at both the front and rear of the property, constructed from durable, non-slip materials. We resized a radiator in the hallway to facilitate easier wheelchair manoeuvring, and installed an additional plug socket to reduce trip hazards.

Throughout this extensive aids and adaptations project, conducted in an occupied home of three residents, our team maintained clear communication, with regular on-site visits to explain progress and address any concerns. These modifications to the wet room, kitchen and entryways have significantly enhanced the wheelchair user resident’s safety, comfort, and daily living environment.

Benefits

• Enhanced home safety, comfort accessibility and functionality

Client Relationship

Our relationship with L&Q continues to thrive, we’re entering our tenth year of successful collaboration. Last year, we secured the 15-year Major Works Investment Program contract, building on our history of delivering diverse projects, including aids and adaptations services and FRA. With this strong foundation, our long-standing partnership with L&Q is set to continue well into the future.

Laura from L&Q stated that:

“From an L&Q perspective, it’s great to work with a contractor like Axis that listens and delivers work to a high standard.”