Aberdeenshire Care and Repair provides a free service offering information, advice and help with repairs, maintenance and adaptations to Aberdeenshire owner occupiers and private landlords’ tenants who are over 60 and/or have a disability.

Information, advice and practical help

We can help homeowners by providing:

• advice and information on practical ways to improve your home
• a home visit to identify or prioritise the work needed
• help with arranging quotes for works identified
• help to arrange professional assistance from specialists, consultants or architects
• help to make sure the work is completed to an acceptable standard
• help with contacting services such as Building Standards or Trading Standards to deal with sub-standard work
• referrals to other agencies who may be able to help
• free, confidential benefit checks and help to complete forms
• help with fundraising for the cost of essential repairs supporting independent living subject to qualifying criteria

Help provided is aimed at enabling and supporting homeowners or private tenants to live independently at home. Responsibilities covering works completed remain with the homeowner or private tenant and contractors, the same as any other domestic works completed to the property.

Small repairs

The grant available for this service covers small internal and external repairs. The repairs must be high priority for safety, prevention of long term deterioration of a property or for making energy efficiencies. Small jobs that are essential to maintain a person’s health and wellbeing will also be considered. Type of jobs covered by the grant include:

• repairing leaking or blocked guttering and downpipes
• roof repairs if there are internal leaks
• leaking or draughty doors and windows
• repairs to central heating and hot water
• security of doors and windows
• repairing a broken standard amenity (toilet, bath, shower, sink)
• electrical repairs (sockets, lights, security lighting)

There are restrictions to this service:

• you must be over 60 and/or have a disability
• you must have been resident in the property for more than 12 months
• grant funding will be provided to cover jobs up to a maximum of £150
• jobs costing over £150 will not be covered
• a maximum of two jobs per financial year
• outbuildings such as garages are not covered

Small Repair Grants are administered through Aberdeenshire Council Care and Repair and may include a visit by an officer to discuss the works to be completed. Clients will be provided with a choice of contractors or can source their own but all contractors will need to be registered with Care and Repair before works starts.

Help provided is aimed at enabling and supporting homeowners or private tenants to live independently at home. Responsibilities covering works completed remain with the homeowner or private tenant and contractors, the same as any other domestic works completed to the property.

Adaptations

Adaptations to a property may be needed to help you live independently. There are two types of adaptation:

• major adaptations - altering the fabric or structure of the building
• minor adaptations - small, inexpensive changes

Major adaptations, supported by an occupational therapist, qualify for a grant.

Aberdeenshire owner occupiers and private landlords’ tenants who are over 60 and/or have a disability.