Elderly homeowners may need help with repairs and maintenance.
If an elderly homeowner is to remain independent at home, she or responsible family members must manage repairs, maintenance and any necessary modifications to keep the home and property safe, sanitary, accessible and comfortable. If it is no longer possible for a homeowner to perform these tasks herself, then it becomes necessary to find someone who can, on the limited budget many seniors have. It is possible to get funding and reliable referrals from a number of sources and it is imperative that seniors be armed with information to ensure good service and prevent victimization. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Define what needs to be done. Walk through the house and property with a notebook and pen, and write down every repair or maintenance task that needs to be done. When you have a list, mark the most pressing safety concerns with an asterisk. Mark routine maintenance tasks with a box.
2. Find funding. If you cannot afford a market-rate loan from your bank, apply for a low-interest loan through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program. Both of these government agencies offer grants to seniors for home repairs and improvements. For some programs, you can apply online. Your county or state Department of Senior Services or Administration on Aging may be able to point you to other funding sources as well.
3. Seek recommendations for contractors. Begin with people you know who have had work done around their homes. Ask who did the work, how much it cost and whether they would use the contractor again. Take contractor contact information. Check with your local religious organizations and college career centers to find someone local who is willing to work inexpensively. Ask your local hardware store for the names of local contractors they respect. You can also sign up with ServiceMagic.com, which pairs homeowners with contractors who specialize in serving seniors.
4. Interview contractors thoroughly. Ask if they are licensed by your state, bonded and carry workman's compensation and liability insurance. Get estimates for the specific tasks you want done, including labor and materials. Ask how long they think each job will take. Get references and check every one by asking what was done, whether it was done within budget and on time, and whether the customer was happy with the work. Do not proceed with a contractor if they cannot answer all of your questions.
5. Get it all in writing. Draw up a contract that you are happy with, and have a responsible person check it for completeness and accuracy. It should detail what is to be done by whom, when it will be done, how much it will cost and what your options are if you are dissatisfied at any point in the process. You have three days after signing the contract to change your mind. Do not pay all at once, but make installments at each stage of the project, or pay half up front and half upon completion.
6. Reject any unsolicited offers. If someone comes to you offering to do a job with leftover materials from another job, it is probably a scam so that they can take your money, do part of the job or a shoddy job and then disappear. If someone contacts you saying they noticed the condition of your home and can help you, refuse.
Tags: find someone, happy with, needs done, repairs maintenance, what done, your local
