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.
Disabled facilities grant - means tested
grant that is subject to referral from the Occupational
Therapy team at Suffolk County Council.
The Warm Front Scheme - a
Government-funded initiative which is now targeted at people on
certain income-related benefits and living in properties that
are poorly insulated and/or do not have a working central
heating system. To find out more visit the Directgov website
(new window)..
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.
Fees
The agency fee is calculated as 12% of the total cost of works
(before VAT). If you have a grant approved these fees will be
included as part of the grant. Ask one of the team for further
details.
Small repairs
Suffolk Coastal no longer operates a small repairs service,
residents needing help with small repairs are advised to contact
Orbit Easts Homeworks' HandyHelp service which offers
assistance with minor repairs or odd jobs in the home. Follow this
link for
more about the HandyHelp service.
Getting in touch with Helping Hand
You can contact us on 01394 444644 or email
ps.housing@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.