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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask to be temporarily rehoused whilst new kitchen installed?

966 replies

SENwoes · 15/01/2024 03:43

I will preface this by saying I KNOW I’m very lucky to have a HA house, and I KNOW I’m very lucky to be getting a brand new kitchen for free.

So as above, I have work commencing on 22nd January to rip out the old kitchen and replace it. I don’t have a choice in this, according to the documents, I am unable to say no it’s fine, I’ll keep the old one. I’ve been told the works will take 2 weeks, as it also involves taking up the tiled floor and replacing it with lino.

It’s just dawning on me what a nightmare this will be. I have to completely empty the kitchen obviously, but there’s not really anywhere to put the stuff, it’s a very small house (just living room leading to kitchen/diner downstairs). The big appliances will go outside in the back yard apparently, but everything else will have to be boxed up and kept somewhere. I’ll have no cooking or washing up facilities, and no way of washing or drying clothes.

That’s all pretty standard I know, but my main concern is that I have a disability (CFS) and also both DC are diagnosed with ASD and currently in the house all the time as neither in education. We will essentially be trapped in our bedrooms for 2 weeks as we won’t be able to move in the front room as realistically that’s the only place everything from the kitchen can go. I need to rest…a lot, and the works will be noisy, which will also affect both DC as they struggle badly with loud noises and not being in a calm environment. They’ll also struggle with a team of workmen being in their space for 2 weeks, They both have completely different food aversions and neither of their limited range of foods is conducive to being able to batch cook and set the microwave up somewhere. Realistically it will mean a lot of eating out, but that’s not really affordable for 2 weeks.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and WIBU to ask the HA if there’s anything that could be done to move us while the works are going on? The only family member I could stay with is my DM but she’s a long way away and having works done on her own house which means she doesn’t have a functioning bathroom, so that’s not ideal really.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
12
Christmasgrinch234 · 15/01/2024 07:12

We’ve recently been through similar.

Do you have a garden OP?

if you do get large plastic tarps with elastic straps - pots and pans can go outside.

I know you’re low on energy, try to get the kids involved (I sat on a chair and yay/nay) to have a huge clear out. We had six saucepans a very similar size. Anything we didn’t want/need we put out the front for free to collect on FB.

As for your lounge, could you move your sofa out to put everything from the kitchen behind it. Even if it means you’ll have to shimmy around your living room you’ll still be able to use your couch.

we set up a station of kettle, toaster, microwave- lived on crumpets, soup and sausage rolls. Actually all evenings we could get back into the kitchen but it was just very dusty.

Thats a point. If your kitchen is attached to your lounge double check with the HA if the tradies will cover everything or if that’s a thing for you.

Ask on FB for free tarps/boxes/anything you need as you never know.

CornishTiger · 15/01/2024 07:12

Speak to the HA and see if they have a planned works or decant policy on their website.

Due to the additional stresses such as disabilities they may be able to support you.

Tempnamechng · 15/01/2024 07:12

I think most of us have had to camp in our own homes when the kitchen is being redone. It isn't pleasant and feels claustrophobic and grubby, but you set up a temporary kitchen in the living room with a kettle and a washing up bowl and eat from an airfryer and microwave. Don't do a camping stove as it won't be safe. No home owner has the luxury of being rehomed whilst the kitchen is being done.

Onlywedressbetter · 15/01/2024 07:19

You don't seem to understand, that home owners can choose if and when to put in a new kitchen, tenants are not given a choice and are made to, it's not about wanting a nice new kitchen, some people are happy with what they have.

Vettrianofan · 15/01/2024 07:19

We had to use our microwave and bought ready meals out of Iceland to survive the kitchen being replaced. It was stressful at times but not as stressful as I had imagined.

Twiglets1 · 15/01/2024 07:23

Could you and your kids move in with your boyfriend for a week during the noisiest part (week 1)?

Otherwise you will just have to manage I’m afraid. It’s doable but does involve a certain amount of stress. Worth it for the end result though. I would probably book a few days away in the first week if your bf can’t accommodate you all, just to make it a bit easier.

Beautiful3 · 15/01/2024 07:27

Paper plates, and plastic cups & cutlery would help. Get pot noodles, cereals and microwave meals for the week. You can keep your microwave, kettle and toaster on the dining table.

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 15/01/2024 07:27

Twiglets1 · 15/01/2024 07:23

Could you and your kids move in with your boyfriend for a week during the noisiest part (week 1)?

Otherwise you will just have to manage I’m afraid. It’s doable but does involve a certain amount of stress. Worth it for the end result though. I would probably book a few days away in the first week if your bf can’t accommodate you all, just to make it a bit easier.

I was going to say the same.

Zanatdy · 15/01/2024 07:30

NotFastButFurious · 15/01/2024 07:02

Surely you all being trapped in one travelodge room would be worse than being in your own bedrooms with access to basic cooking facilities?
i’m afraid this falls firmly into the category of suck it up buttercup!

Exactly, or worse a small caravan in the middle of January when it’s expected to drop to -6 this week. And worse still with teenagers - no wifi

HaPPy8 · 15/01/2024 07:30

Yes surely your boyfriend is the answer here? If he stays with you every weekend could you not go and stay with him for a couple of weeks?

ohdamnitjanet · 15/01/2024 07:31

The only thing I can offer is to use those clear plastic storage boxes to pack up the kitchen. I’ve just had my kitchen done and used them. I cleared out the kitchen as I packed it up and got rid and sold of a LOT of crap and old stuff I don’t use. The benefit of the boxes is they are strong, they stack, so take up a minimal amount of room, and you can see what’s in them in case you need something. If you have to buy them you could always sell afterwards. We ate quite a lot of soup and sandwiches…

Zanatdy · 15/01/2024 07:31

Onlywedressbetter · 15/01/2024 07:19

You don't seem to understand, that home owners can choose if and when to put in a new kitchen, tenants are not given a choice and are made to, it's not about wanting a nice new kitchen, some people are happy with what they have.

Yes but the houses need to be kept updated as it doesn’t belong to the tenant so it unfortunately goes with the territory. I’d say worth it for much lower rents and guaranteed lifetime tenancy, unlike private renting where tenants often have to cope with bad kitchens and bathrooms

MistressWeatherwax1 · 15/01/2024 07:36

Have you spoke to the HA about the time frame? The two weeks might be for everything but you could find the cooker will be usable after day one or two. I got a new kitchen fitted by my HA including all new units, sink, flooring, lights, painting the kitchen and it took two days, only one of which I couldn't use the cooker or washing machine.

This was the same week as they also fitted a brand new bathroom and installed new windows in every room. This all took less than a week in total. The biggest disruption was an afternoon with no toilet.

x2boys · 15/01/2024 07:39

SENwoes · 15/01/2024 03:43

I will preface this by saying I KNOW I’m very lucky to have a HA house, and I KNOW I’m very lucky to be getting a brand new kitchen for free.

So as above, I have work commencing on 22nd January to rip out the old kitchen and replace it. I don’t have a choice in this, according to the documents, I am unable to say no it’s fine, I’ll keep the old one. I’ve been told the works will take 2 weeks, as it also involves taking up the tiled floor and replacing it with lino.

It’s just dawning on me what a nightmare this will be. I have to completely empty the kitchen obviously, but there’s not really anywhere to put the stuff, it’s a very small house (just living room leading to kitchen/diner downstairs). The big appliances will go outside in the back yard apparently, but everything else will have to be boxed up and kept somewhere. I’ll have no cooking or washing up facilities, and no way of washing or drying clothes.

That’s all pretty standard I know, but my main concern is that I have a disability (CFS) and also both DC are diagnosed with ASD and currently in the house all the time as neither in education. We will essentially be trapped in our bedrooms for 2 weeks as we won’t be able to move in the front room as realistically that’s the only place everything from the kitchen can go. I need to rest…a lot, and the works will be noisy, which will also affect both DC as they struggle badly with loud noises and not being in a calm environment. They’ll also struggle with a team of workmen being in their space for 2 weeks, They both have completely different food aversions and neither of their limited range of foods is conducive to being able to batch cook and set the microwave up somewhere. Realistically it will mean a lot of eating out, but that’s not really affordable for 2 weeks.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and WIBU to ask the HA if there’s anything that could be done to move us while the works are going on? The only family member I could stay with is my DM but she’s a long way away and having works done on her own house which means she doesn’t have a functioning bathroom, so that’s not ideal really.

My HA moved us out whilst the replaced bathroom flooring and completed recurring a,kitchen they had neglected to comp!ete months before
They moves us unto another house for about ten days that they normally used for emergency accommodation
I will add though that this was in November 2020
They said they would have normally have moved us into a B&B but because of COVID it was easier to move us into temporary.
I would speak to the housing Association rather then ask on here as posters will.just bang in about the housing crisis , and subsidised housing etc.

ClumsyNinja · 15/01/2024 07:40

Ignore the right wing arseholes bleating on about lack of housing and that you should be grateful to live in a tent. The various governments’ shit housing policies is not your responsibility.

Presumably they’re still charging you full rent during the period that your home is virtually uninhabitable?

Definitely speak to the HA and remind them that you and your children have disabilities and ask them to find you temp. accommodation during these 2 weeks.

ianshe · 15/01/2024 07:40

Ignoring the whole kitchen dilemma I really hope you get more help soon. Being bedridden with two school refusers with additional needs and a dog does not sound easy !

MissusKay · 15/01/2024 07:41

Ask to be decanted. The worst they can say is no.

You would be likely moved to a localish hotel if they do decanted you so no washing up or cooking facilities there either.

Myhubbyisasweetheart · 15/01/2024 07:41

@SENwoes

Why would 3 people in 1 room (all sharing as it's emergency accom) in a travelodge be better than your own bedrooms?

Scousefab · 15/01/2024 07:43

Wow I been without a functioning kitchen for about two years after being ripped off and conned. Bought plastic cups and plates etc so can easily washed in the sink. Set up microwave and airfryer in back bedroom and was taking my washing to launderette. I would easily do it for two weeks! (Washing machine up and running now)
how I have survived - cooked chicken from super market and microwave veg. Soup already in plastic tubs and heated up etc
have a holiday after and make do just in case they don’t run to schedule and also ask the HA if they have any places you can prep food we now have a local charity that washed clothes.

Carston · 15/01/2024 07:45

Im sorry that life is hard for you OP. You can alway ask HA but hopefully the builders will help make life ok for you and you can set up a little kitchen in your living room. Do you have any friends you could ask to come round for dinner say once a week for the two weeks? With an offer of a return visit when you have your new kitchen.

DeathMetalMum · 15/01/2024 07:49

I'd be wary of booking somewhere else. With our HA you would generally need to provide access to the property every day in order for the work to be carried out. So unless there is a neighbour you can give keys to or someone who can also house sit, going away may not be possible.

NewYearNameChanger · 15/01/2024 07:51

OP I know you said you aren’t thinking straight at the
moment but going to stay in a caravan in the middle of a winter cold snap with two teenagers who don’t get on is a terrible idea. I know you said your mum lives a way away, but if your kids aren’t at school and I presume you are not working by your comments about needing to rest a lot, why not go to your mum’s for the duration?

MyGooseisTotallyLoose · 15/01/2024 07:53

Myhubbyisasweetheart · 15/01/2024 07:41

@SENwoes

Why would 3 people in 1 room (all sharing as it's emergency accom) in a travelodge be better than your own bedrooms?

And the dog too remember

baldpenguine · 15/01/2024 07:53

Air fryer, slow cooker, paper plates and microwave is all you need for 2 weeks. And a kettle.

Buy fresh pasta to cook with boiling water and jars of pesto, or even a camping hob if easier.

Twiglets1 · 15/01/2024 07:54

DeathMetalMum · 15/01/2024 07:49

I'd be wary of booking somewhere else. With our HA you would generally need to provide access to the property every day in order for the work to be carried out. So unless there is a neighbour you can give keys to or someone who can also house sit, going away may not be possible.

I don’t agree with that. Just give a set of keys to the main fitter to use while you’re away. That’s what we have done and other family members. Many people do take some time out during a kitchen or bathroom renovation & trust their builder with a key. You have to trust people sometimes and they will lose their contract with the HA if start stealing from customers!