Living independently at home can also mean more than creating accessible spaces; it may also involve a living environment which is accessible and will provide a warm and cost-efficient living space. This can be a reality for many Londoners because the current grants for home improvements in London provide a singular opportunity where the Disabled Facility Grant can be combined with any energy-related grant. At Getafreeboiler, we can help you take full advantage of all the available grants.
How the DFG Functions in the Capital
The Disabled Facilities Grant is a locally managed fund that is intended to help with necessary home adaptations. In London, the compulsory Disabled Facilities Grant level tops out at £30,000 at present, although discretionary top-up payments may be made in certain areas for more complex work.
Whether it be extending doorways for wheelchair users, creating a wet room, or simply installing a stair lift, the purpose is always the same, that is, improving home safety for daily living.
Unfortunately, one of the common mistakes people make when undertaking such renovations is failing to tackle the heating aspects of a home. A home may be accessible, yet very expensive to heat, with issues associated with damp, which is where we come in.
Stacking Your Grants: The "Health Route"
Although the DFG scheme emphasises accessibility, the ECO4 program is designed to help the “thermal fabric” of your house. ECO4 may provide free energy efficiency measures, together with your ongoing works for the DFG, if you, a member of your family, or someone under your care has a disability or a long-term health condition that is worsening due to cold.
This stacking of support is not unique to the South East; for example, a similar grant, grants for home improvements in Wales, provides up to £36,000 for DFG projects, commonly with energy efficiency measures. In London, we use the Health Route under ECO4, where referral by a GP/NHS enables access to:
- A-rated Boiler Replacements: In order to factor in your central heating needs.
- Specialised Heating Controls: Improved thermostats for those with impaired dexterity and visual impairments.
- Simultaneous Insulation: We carry out the insulation of your attic or internal wall to retain the warmth.
Why Choose the Combined Approach?
At Getafreeboiler, we also think that doing home improvements in a holistic way makes a lot of sense. By planning your energy improvements alongside your accessibility improvements, we can help disrupt your life as little as possible. This "whole house" approach ensures that, once your ramps and/or lift have been fitted, your home will still be a dry, warm, and affordable sanctuary.
The First Step Towards a Better Home
Working with local authority forms and energy schemes might be overwhelming, but you are not alone. We are here to assist you in deciding whether your current EPC rating (D to G) and additional healthcare requirements make you the ideal applicant for such dual funding.
Are you ready to change your environment? Call Getafreeboiler.
