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How do you help?
Our help is usually called for when someone has a problem with
their house. This might be because of a need for repairs,
adaptations, or improvements. It could also be because normal
activities such as using the bath or getting upstairs have become
difficult.
Perhaps you have been told that something needs attention but you
need independent advice or the reassurance of a second
opinion.
How do I become a client?
Many of our clients contact us direct. Others have been referred
to us by concerned friends, family, social services, GPs, district
nurses, hospital staff etc. We operate an Equal Opportunities
Policy.
What exactly do you do?
We do as much as you feel is necessary to help you to get things
done. Some people want, or need, more help than others. We work
with you. You make the choices. Our service includes:
- visiting you in your own home to discuss your problems
- checking that you are receiving all the welfare benefits to
which you are entitled
- helping you find the finance to pay for building works
- helping you complete forms for benefits, grants, insurance
etc
- liaising with other relevant people and organisations on your
behalf
- if you feel that you are being exploited or abused in any way,
the Agency can give you advice on where to seek help and
assistance
Our main aim is to help with repairs and adaptations to your
home. To do this we can provide a full technical service, which can
include:carrying out a brief inspection of your property and
telling what we find
- preparing drawings and specifications
- obtaining planning permission, building regulations approval
and helping with other legal matters
- obtaining quotations for the work and helping you to choose a
builder
- talking to the builder on your behalf
- monitoring the works on site and inspecting on completion
- arranging payments
- advising on re-housing if this is more appropriate
All information you give to us is treated as confidential. If,
ultimately, you decide that you do not want building works carried
out, we will fully respect your wishes.
What if I have no money?
You may have enough money to pay for building works yourself but
feel that you need professional help and guidance to deal with such
matters without being worried about 'cowboy builders'. If your
finances are limited, a major part of our job is to help find the
money to pay for essential works. This might be a combination
of:
- grants - we can give grants to private homeowners for certain
things. When we visit you we will be able to tell you more about
these grants and if you are eligible to apply. Other organisations,
charities and trusts for example, can also help. We will discuss
this with you.
- loans, mortgages etc - we will help you to arrange this if it
meets your needs
- equity/capital release - depending upon your circumstances it
may be beneficial to you to raise cash based on the value of your
home. We can give you guidance on this but we would also recommend
that you seek legal advice on such an important issue.
What does it cost?
Our advice service is free. We do, however, charge a
fee if we support you through the building work process. For most
works, this is calculated as a percentage of the cost of the works
and can be included within a grant or loan. This will be fully
explained to you before any work proceeds. We will ask you to sign
an agreement with us outlining our services and fees if you decide
to use the Home Improvement Agency to arrange any building
works.
Occasionally, some money is required "up front". This might be for
a building regulations application fee or similar. We may have to
ask you to pay for this, then if you get a grant, this cost will
usually be repaid. We will explain this in full if it affects
you.
Who does the work?
We have compiled a list of local builders. They are all properly
insured and we have taken up references on them. Many have come to
us through recommendation. We monitor the list constantly.
Builders who let us, or our clients, down are removed from the
list. As well as good prices we also look for pleasant
personalities, efficiency, cleanliness, good time keeping and clear
paperwork. If there is a particular builder/tradesman whom you
would prefer to use, please tell us about them.
For your own protection, we always recommend that there is a formal
contract between you and the builder. We will arrange this for
you.
The Home Improvement Agency does not:
- carry out work themselves - we keep a list of local contractors
whose work is continuously reviewed
- discuss anything about you with anyone else without your
permission
- make any decisions which affect you without first consulting
you.
- Contact Details
For other repairs and improvements to your home, you can also
contact the Home Improvement Agency on 01952 381855
Our email address is:
privatesectorhousing@telford.gov.uk |