Frequently asked questions

How much do you charge for your services?

We don't charge for advice or home visits. If we organise building work we usually make a small charge, which we'll agree with you before any work starts. If you're applying for a grant, this will cover the cost of our fees.

What sort of work can you help organise?

We can help organise repairs, improvements and adaptations to your home.

• Repairs  include work to make your home safe, such as replacing out-of-date electric wiring and repairing leaking roofs

• Improvements include replacing heating and installing double glazed windows.

• Adaptations include alterations to bathrooms , installing stair lifts, widening doorways and home extensions.

What happens when I contact Care & Repair?

We’ll take your details and a caseworker will then ring you back to find out about your situation. In most cases they’ll make an appointment to visit you to talk it through.

Can I apply for a grant to help pay for home adaptations?

Our caseworker will advise you if you could be eligible for a grant. Some grants depend on your income and savings. If you are applying for a disabled facilities grant you will need to have a referral from an occupational therapist. We can also raise money from charities or trusts to help may for works.

If I have savings, will I still be able to apply for a grant?

You may still be able to get a grant even if you have savings. This will depend on the amount of money you have, your age and whether you’re entitled to attendance allowance or disability living allowance. Our caseworker will tell you what you might be able to get.

Can I get help to improve heating and insulation?

There are grants available to help pay for heating and insulation. Some depend on income or benefit entitlement  There are also grants for insulation that are not dependent on income or savings. We can give you more information and advice on what you might be able to get.

What happens if I need work to be done but am not eligible for a grant?

You could choose to pay for the work with either a loan or personal savings. We'll also try and  find money from trusts and charitable organisations to help you.

Can you help me if I pay for the building work myself?  

We offer a similar service to clients who pay for the work themselves. This includes  design, drawing, getting estimates and overseeing  works. We charge a fee which we'll agree with you before any work starts.

How have you chosen the contractors you use/recommend?

The building contractors on our list have their work inspected by our surveyors, complete a questionnaire on their company, provide details of their insurance cover, go through an interview process and sign a code of conduct. This happens before they are asked to do any work by Care & Repair. Many of the builders on our list have been recommended by satisfied customers.