FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Adapting & Maintaining Your Home
For general advice on adapting buildings contact the Centre for Accessible Environments. Also, the National Register of Access Consultants (NRAC) is an independent register of accredited Access Auditors and Access Consultants.
Home Improvement Agencies are not for profit, locally based organisations that assist vulnerable homeowners or private sector tenants who are older, disabled or on low income to repair, improve, maintain or adapt their home. They are also called Care & Repair or Stay at Home agencies in other areas. Most areas in Surrey have an agency who will give advice on grants and practical help with adaptations.
The Buy With Confidence scheme lists tradesmen registered with Surrey Trading Standards Department.
Disabled Facilities Grants from local authorities can help pay for essential adaptations to the home. The grants are means-tested and can be up to the value of £25,000. Adaptations for children under 19 are not means-tested.
Home handyman schemes are run by some local authorities. Handymen will fit small aids & do simple repairs in the home for a fixed charge.
The Disabled Living Foundation provide advice & information on manufacturers and suppliers of specialist items of equipment. They have comprehensive fact sheets on disability equipment and an equipment assessment feature SARA (Self Assessment, Rapid Access) can help to track down equipment that meets individual requirements.
Ricability produce clear, practical guides on items like household items and telecoms & alarms.
SID, 0800 0439395, have a second hand disability equipment service which enables people who want to buy or sell equipment to be put in touch with each other. This is a free service for people in Surrey.
+ Additional Information: Home and community
More information on living with a disability in Surrey can be found at www.askenid.org.uk and in the leaflet ‘Information for You’ available from SID (Social Information on Disability), 0800 0439395.