Johnstone's makes a decent job of Sandwell Homes partnership

Housing Wed, Mar 23, 2016 10:24 AM

Market-leading products from Johnstone’s have helped transform 23,000 homes as part of Sandwell Homes’ commitment to meet the Decent Homes Standard.

Sandwell Homes is an Arms Length Management Organisation which provides housing management, repairs and maintenance to council-owned properties throughout the Sandwell area of the West Midlands.

In 2005, Sandwell Homes set out on an extensive campaign to bring its properties in line with the government’s guidelines and turned to Johnstone’s unrivalled range of products to help add the final touches to properties being improved under the Sandwell Decent Homes Programme.

Many of the properties’ bathrooms and kitchens were redecorated using Johnstone’s Aqua Gloss and Vinyl Matt products. The low odour qualities of the Aqua Gloss meant that minimal disruption was caused to tenants, while the quick drying properties of the Vinyl Matt ensured that decorators from Thomas Vale & Vinci, Localrun Decorating and APB Painting were able to complete work on a property before swiftly moving onto the next.

During the refurbishment programme, Johnstone’s Vinyl Matt was awarded the coveted EU Ecolabel, meaning its environmental credentials had been independently tested and verified. The product did not undergo any alterations to its formula to meet this certification and no price premium was attached to it once it had received the award.

In addition to using Johnstone’s paint products, tenants were also given the option of using Johnstone’s Decorating Centres’ extensive range of wallcoverings from the Easytex range and the Contractors’ Choice book.

Key Account Manager, Bryan Parkes, said: “Having had dealings with Sandwell Homes for a number of years, we worked collectively to produce a portfolio of bespoke colour options and suitable practical wall coverings. To ensure the smooth seamless running of the project, not only did the chosen products have to successfully meet the specific requirements of the Sandwell Homes Decent Homes Partnership but stock availability at the local Johnstone’s Decorating Centre also had to be guaranteed for the duration of the contract.”

Simon Parry, Head of Partnership Management at Sandwell Homes, said: “The high standard of both service and product provided through Johnstone’s has contributed to the Partnership achieving high customer satisfaction throughout the delivery of the Sandwell Decent Homes Programme.”