Positive Ageing - Good Homes Project
<p>Good advice from <a href="http://www.goodhomes.co.nz/">www.goodhomes.co.nz</a></p>
<p>Sometimes people put off repairs and maintenance around their homes because they find it too hard to organise or they are worried at the likely cost. But there can be a greater cost – to personal health and safety – when a house is cold, uncomfortable or unsafe.</p>
<p>The Good Homes Project has created three practical checklists to help people to assess whether repairs or maintenance work is needed on their property.</p>
<p>One checklist provides an easy way for to work out whether there are jobs that really need to be done; looking at things like whether external lights are working properly and whether steps are level, well-marked and non-slip, to fire and earthquake risk factors.</p>
<p>These checklists are available free on-line at <a href="http://www.goodhomes.co.nz/">www.goodhomes.co.nz</a></p>
<p>There’s also a ‘solutions’ section with tips about getting repairs done. The Good Homes Project suggests:</p>
<ul>
<li>
Talking to family or friends about who they use and the quality of their work</li>
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Going to Citizens Advice Bureau, RSA, Age Concern or Grey Power for a list of local tradespeople</li>
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Always getting at least two written quotes for a job - unless you know the tradesperson well and are confident in their work.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Contact Work and Income (WINZ) if you cannot afford to get the work done; you may qualify for help to pay for essential house repairs. Ph: 0800 552 002 or go to <a href="http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/">www.workandincome.govt.nz</a></p>