Access, loading & tenancy planning

Check the street without assuming a place is available

Identify the actual unloading point, parking controls and carrying route at the property. Merton's parking suspension service requires at least ten full working days' application notice; an application is not a guarantee of an available space. Consult the current conditions for the bay concerned and distinguish a suspension from any licence required for equipment. Vehicle requirements should also be checked separately with Transport for London.

Sources: Merton: parking suspensions and waivers; TfL: ULEZ and vehicle checks

Arrange highway equipment through the right applicant

Merton requires a licence before scaffolding or hoarding is erected on the public highway, with the responsible company or contractor applying. Space and pedestrian access need assessment at the location. A skip on the highway has a separate licensing process through a registered skip company. Establish whether either is needed for the decorating scope, who will arrange it and when approval must be in place.

Sources: Merton: scaffold and hoarding licences; Merton: skip licences

Distinguish noisy preparation from quiet finishing

Merton's normal hours for noisy construction work are 8am–6pm Monday to Friday and 8am–1pm Saturday; such work is normally restricted on Sundays and bank holidays. Noisy preparation and quiet painting can involve different considerations. Confirm the applicable requirements and any building rules when agreeing the daily programme, and identify which activities could disturb other households before settling the room order.

Sources: Merton: noisy construction work

Follow the access route through the building

For a flat, record the entrance arrangements, stairs or lift, narrow turns and surfaces needing protection. Agree keyholding, delivery times and a storage position within the property. Shared landings need to remain usable; do not assume they are available for equipment. The person responsible for the building should confirm any notice, working-hour or common-parts requirements before the proposed programme is settled.

Connect the repaint with the tenancy handover

For vacant accommodation, place repairs, decoration, drying, cleaning and inventory in a workable order before the next occupation. Name the person authorised to approve any change discovered during preparation. Where a tenant remains, agree access through the appropriate parties and plan around the rooms and facilities still needed. The proposed dates must follow the assessed work rather than stand in for a defined scope.