What does it do?The responsibilities of home ownership can be daunting at the best of times but when faced with repairs or adaptations many people do not know where to start.
Suffolk Coastal’s Helping Hand is a home improvement agency that can guide vulnerable home owners through the whole process. It is an independent service that you can trust, which aims to answer questions such as:
- What works really need doing?
- Can I get help towards the cost?
- How do I find a builder?
- Do I need planning permission?
- How do I know if the price is fair?
- Is the work up to 'standard'?
- How do I get the builder back to finish the job?
How we can help you?
If your house needs repair or insulation work or you need to undertake disabled adaptations we can help.
GRANTS
In the first instance we will be able to advise you over the telephone if the works are likely to qualify for grant aid. If so we can help you make your application. There are various grants available including:
- Renovation grant - means tested grant for major renovation schemes subject to certain other criteria.
- Minor works grant - grant for energy efficiency improvements. Applicants must be either over 65 years of age or in receipt of Council Tax benefit.
- Disabled facilities grant - means tested grant that is subject to referral from the Occupational Therapy team at Suffolk County Council.
- Warm Front Grant (new window) - government grant for insulation, draft proofing and heating improvements. You could qualify if you are a household with children in receipt of a means tested benefit, you receive a disability benefit or are over 60 and in receipt of an income related benefit. To find out more call 0800 316 2805.
REPAIRS AND ADAPTATIONS
Whether or not you qualify for a grant we can help you by organising the works. The Helping Hand team will:
- Identify the works that need to be carried out and also those that you may wish to have done at the same time.
- Draw up a detailed specification, and if necessary draw up plans, so builders can price the work.
- Obtain planning consents and building regulation approval if needed.
- Help you to apply for any benefits or alternative funding to which you may be entitled.
- Obtain tendered estimates from reliable contractors to ensure a fair price for the work.
- Arrange a start date to suit you and supervise the works as they progress.
- Resolve any problems, finalise the paperwork and organise payments.
- Help you in any other way we can.
SMALL REPAIRS
Suffolk Coastal no longer operates a small repairs service, residents needing help with small repairs are advised to contact Orbit East Homeworks' HandyHelp service which offers assistance with minor repairs or odd jobs in the home.