Comprehensive Flat Refurbishment

Client: Oxford City Council

Budget: £66,000

Department: Property Services

Completed: October 2025

Summary

Oxford City Council commissioned a full refurbishment of a two-bedroom ground floor flat in Mason Road. The project involved extensive structural, decorative, and service works. The refurbishment aimed to restore the property to a high standard, ensuring both structural integrity and modern finishes for the tenants. Feedback from the client and tenants highlighted the professionalism and quality of the works delivered. 

Requirements

The refurbishment required temporary disconnection of services, removal of cracked plaster from walls and ceilings, controlled off-site asbestos removal, structural crack repairs using Helibars and stainless steel EML works as per the Structural Engineer’s designs, plastering and repairs throughout, full kitchen renewal, partial bathroom sanitary ware replacement, external masonry crack repairs and brick replacements, full decorations, renewal of PVC external doors to balconies, overhaul of windows including replacement of failed hinges and latches, internal joinery including doors and furniture, screeding of all floors, renewal of vinyl floors in wet areas and carpets throughout, reconnection of all services, and fitting of a new gas cooker for the tenants. 

Challenges

• Maintaining site safety and cleanliness throughout the works, including keeping communal corridors accessible. 

• Coordinating multiple trades simultaneously within a compact two-bedroom flat. 

•  Managing structural repairs and asbestos removal without causing delays to subsequent works. 

Solutions

To overcome these challenges, the project team implemented a daily programming system to prevent trade clashes, conducted daily cleaning to maintain safe and clear corridors, and carried out regular site management checks to ensure strict health and safety compliance. The team maintained clear communication with the client and designers through weekly updates and regular progress meetings, while ensuring all works strictly followed design specifications for structural repairs and finishes.

Results

The refurbishment achieved excellent results, with all structural cracks and external masonry issues effectively repaired. The kitchen and bathroom were renewed, plastering and decorations completed to a high standard, windows, doors, and internal joinery overhauled or replaced as required, and all floor surfaces finished with vinyl in wet areas and carpets elsewhere. All services were safely reconnected, including installation of a new gas cooker, and site safety and cleanliness were maintained throughout the project. 

Outcome

The project was handed over successfully to Oxford City Council and the tenants, with all works completed on time and within budget. Feedback from the client highlighted the result as “really impressive all around,” reflecting the professionalism, coordination, and dedication of the team. This project stands as a strong example of an efficiently managed, multi-trade refurbishment in a residential setting.