Home Improvement Agency

The Home Improvement Agency exists to help elderly people and disabled people, living in private housing, who are on a low income and require repairs or disabled adaptations to their homes. Grants may be available to assist with adaptations (subject to the recommendations of a social services occupational therapist), repairs, safety and security, energy efficiency work and heating.

What kind of work can we tackle?

• Roof repairs
• Damp-proofing
• Rotten windows and doors
• Adaptations for people with disabilities e.g. stairlifts, showers and handrails
• Security work
• Heating problems
• Smoke alarms

How does our service work?

We will visit you at home to discuss your needs and help you to find the solution that is right for you.

• We will tell you if there are any grants or loans available to pay for the work that you need.
• We will help you to decide what work should be done and help prepare drawings and specifications.
• We will help obtain quotations, advice on reliable contractors, and supervise the whole job.
• We can help you to apply for any benefits or grants to which you may be entitled.
• We can put you in touch with other people who can help - for example the occupational therapy service or the Help the Aged Handyvan service.

What will it cost?

Our advisory service is free. If you decide to carry out work with our help, a fee, based on the cost of the work, will usually be charged for our technical services. This will normally be paid from the grant.

Who qualifies for help?

• People who are over 60, who are owner-occupiers.
• People who are over 60, who are tenants of private landlords.
• Younger people with disabilities, who are owner-occupiers.
• Younger people with disabilities, who are tenants of private landlords.

How long will it take?

After contacting us, a case manager will make an initial appointment with you, normally within six weeks.

What grants or loans are available?

A number of grants may be available to help you pay for any work that needs doing. These include:

Disabled facilities grant for private properties

For those assessed by a community occupational therapist as needing an adaptation to their home.

Home repairs assistance grants

For people over 60 or younger people with disabilities, who need essential repairs or security work to their homes and are on a low income.

Houseproud loans

To pay for repairs and adaptations. These loans are available for those who do not qualify for grants or in cases where a grant would not cover all of the costs.

Energy efficiency grants and loans

For people who need insulation work, new boilers, central heating and solar heating.