Home Improvement Agency
Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) are local not for profit organisations funded and supported by local and central government. They provide advice, support and assistance to elderly, disabled and vulnerable people who own and live in their own property. They help people to repair, improve, maintain or adapt their home to meet their changing needs. The purpose of the service is to help people to remain independent, in their own homes, warm, safe and secure.
To assess someone’s needs HIA staff will visit them and offer information, advice and support on:
- Problems relating to their property
- All their housing options
- Completion of any necessary forms
- Legal entitlements
- Other available support services
Finance
HIA staff will give information about financial options and their implications. They will also give practical assistance on raising funds. This will include:
- Availability of grants from statutory bodies
- Releasing equity and accessing loans
- Obtaining independent financial advice
- Accessing charitable funding
- Benefit entitlement
- The effect that certain options may have on benefit entitlement
- Insurance claims
- Savings
Technical Matters
HIA staff will give reliable technical advice, which will include:
- Home visit and inspection
- Advice on the scale and cost of any necessary works
- Help with choosing a reputable and reliable builder
- Monitoring the builder’s performance
- Appropriate contracts and documentation
Other services
HIAs sometimes also provide additional services, for example, a Handyperson, decorating or gardening services.
Use our Home Improvement Agency Directory to find your local service.