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.
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
The agency also runs a
small repair service for elderly or
disabled home owners or private tenants. If you have difficulty in
doing those small jobs around the house contact Helping Hand on
01394 444644. We will carry out those little jobs
for you free of labour charges - all you pay for are the materials
and the hire of any special equipment at cost price. Keep our
telephone number handy as you never know when you may need
help.
Getting in touch with Helping Hand
You can contact us on 01394 444644 or email
ps.housing@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
The information on this page is also published in our
leaflet Suffolk Coastal's Helping Hand for homeowners
(new window PDF 34KB).
Follow this link for help with downloading and opening PDF
files.