Most of AF Bostäder’s properties were built during the Million Programme in the 1960s and 70s. We renovates the properties continuously in accordance with a long-term maintenance plan and a fixed annual budget.
In the next few years, AF Bostäder is to replace the pipework of around 60 % of the property portfolio – over 3 000 apartments – one of the company’s biggest ever challenges. The housing areas concerned include Delphi, Kämnärsrätten, Ulrikedal, Vildanden and Parentesen.
“The pipework replacement can be carried out in different ways depending on the properties,” says Rose-Marie Stolpe, Property Manager at AF Bostäder. “Normally, the wastewater pipes and water pipes are replaced at the same time. At Parentesen, we have carried out a pilot project in which we have installed a new shaft with new pipes, and let the old ones stay in place. Some properties require more extensive work, and total renovation of bathrooms.”
If apartments have to be evacuated in order to get the work done, this means customers have to be transferred, which in the past AF Bostäder has solved by moving tenants to new housing. Empty apartments also lead to a considerable reduction in rental income for AF Bostäder.
“In cases where the tenants stay in place, their everyday routines are affected,” says Rose-Marie Stolpe. “They do not have their own toilet and have to use temporary facilities. The study environment is adversely affected by the disruptions. And it’s also impractical and costly for the contractors, who then do not have the option of storing equipment on site, so they have to carry in all the material as they go along. The best solution is determined on a case-by-case basis.”
The pipework replacement is being carried out over a long period in order to make the renovation work as manageable as possible.
“During 2018 we will carry out investigations in order to map needs and identify the best approach, so that tenants and operations are affected as little as possible. Then we will move on to the detailed planning and scheduling for the project,” concludes Rose-Marie Stolpe.