Our contractors, Rapleys and Ridge, are carrying out survey work on the council’s behalf to check the condition of our council properties. Rapleys will continue surveying until December 2024, while Ridge began surveying in September 2024 and will continue throughout the next year.
This involves our contractors sending members of staff to your property to take photographs and check for issues inside your home. By doing this, we can prioritise any work that may need doing on your property.
What to expect
When a survey is due for your property, you will receive a letter and a text message (if we hold a mobile phone number for you).
A surveyor who works for either Rapleys or Ridge (It will state which contractor on your letter) will then visit you around seven days after you receive your letter or text message. The contractors will wear photographic ID showing that they work for Rapleys or Ridge, depending on who is conducting the survey.
The survey will concentrate on areas of the property including the kitchen, bathroom, electrics, and heating.
The appointment should take no more than 60 minutes to complete and access will be needed to all your rooms, the loft, and all external areas. This is a non-intrusive survey, so no carpets will be lifted, and no furniture will be moved.
Photographs will be taken of the inside and outside of your property.
If you do not allow access to your home, we will be unable to decide what improvement works are needed.
Please be aware
All employees working on behalf of Sandwell Council, Rapleys and Ridge will have photographic identification badges, which you should ask to see before letting them into your property. The photographic ID will tell you whether the surveyor works for Rapleys or Ridge.
If you have any concerns about a contractor, or if you want to check with us that someone who has called to your home is genuine, please call 0121 569 2960.
You can also contact:
- Rapleys by calling 01480 371460 or by emailing surveys@rapleys.com
- Ridge by emailing RidgeSCS@ridge.co.uk
If you are not at home when the surveyor calls, they will drop a calling card through your door with the surveyor’s contact details so you can make an appointment for a date and time that suits you.