Home Repair
How to Find Contractors and Carpenters
Finding Money
Disability Modifications
How to Find Contractors and Carpenters
- Determine what work needs to be done. For a list of trades and how to check licensure information click here.
- Check with family and friends for the names of reliable contractors.
- Contact more than one professional (Three is best).
- Ask for written estimates.
- Get references - ask for a list of his/her three most recent projects with names, telephone numbers and addresses of the owners.
- Check the References!
- Ask for proof of Liability and Workers Compensation insurance.
- Before hiring anyone, you may contact your local consumer protection office. They help verify licensure information and complaints. Contact Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan’s Consumer Protection Division at 413-774-3186, or go to their website. For other local Massachusetts consumer programs click here.
- Elders may ask for the professional to provide proof that he/she has passed a CORI (Criminal Offender Records Investigation).
- Registered Home Improvement Contractors are required by law to apply for building permits. A contractor who asks you to apply for the building permit may not possess a license or a registration.
- Pay as small a down payment as possible and do not pay all costs up front.
- Do not enter into any construction agreements without a written contract. If possible, get an attorney to review it. For tips on contracts Click here.
Return to top
Finding Money
For many jobs you will have to pay market rates on your own, but senior discounts MAY BE AVAILABLE. Make sure to ask for a senior discount.
Low cost building supplies are available from ReStore. Call 413-788-6900 or go to http://www.restoreoneline.org.
Possible sources of funding for major repairs, depending on income, are listed here. Benefits Counselors can help you apply. Contact them via email (Click here) or by calling 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259 during normal business hours.
The Franklin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (FCHRA) administers a major deferred-payment, zero interest loans on behalf of several towns in Franklin County. The program goal is to enable low to moderate-income homeowners to access up to $30,000 to bring their homes into compliance with local building codes, which includes insulation/ weatherization and elimination of lead-based paint hazards. To find towns eligible and for information go to www.fchra.org or call 413 863-9781 ext. 132 or 121.
The town of Greenfield Housing Rehabilitation Program has deferred payment loans for income eligible town residents. For information contact the Dept. of Planning and Development at 413-772-1410 or email cd_administrator@greenfield-ma.gov
The town of Athol Housing Rehabilitation Program has deferred payment loans for income eligible town residents. Funds may also be available for residents of Petersham, Phillipston, and Royalston. For information contact the Athol Dept. of Planning and Development at 978-575-0301 or email: rehab@townofathol.org.
US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Loan or Grant: Homeowners are eligible for a Section 504 Home Improvement Grant for up to $7500 and/or a $20,000 loan at 1% interest paid over 20 years, depending on income. Call USDA Rural Development 413-585-1000 X 4 or www.rurdev.usda.gov/ma
MASS SAVE Residential Heat Loans Energy efficiency upgrades are available through Mass Save. Residential customers are eligible to apply for 0% loans up to $25,000 with terms up to seven years. They require an energy assessment (audit) from MASS SAVE before the work is initiated, a contractors estimate, and loan application through participating banks. For more information and a list of banks go to http://www.masssave.com/financing/ . Contact the Benefits Counseling Program if you need help with an internet search.
If you are eligible for fuel assistance, and you own your home, you can also get help with heating system repairs or replacement through the Heating Energy Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program (HEARTWAP). Your fuel assistance agency will refer you to the HEARTWAP program if you qualify. In Franklin County call Community Action, 413-774-2310 or http://www.communityaction.us/home-energy-assistance.html. In Hampshire County, 1-800-370-0940. In Worcester County to apply for Fuel Assistance contact the New England Farm Workers Union at 978-342-4520 or http://www.partnersforcommunity.org/default/index.cfm/fuel-assistance/.
Disability Modifications
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission/RCAP Solutions administer the State of Massachusetts’ “Home Modification Loan Program.” The State provides the funding for adaptations: ramps, chair and stair lifts, kitchen and bathroom modifications so a household member or renter with a disability can remain in his or her primary residence. For Franklin County call 413-781-7168; For Worcester County: 978-630-6725 www.mass.gov/mrc/hmlp
Stavros Center for Independent Living serves as a major resource for people with disabilities. Through the “Home Sweet Home” program, they provide ramps plus other equipment, and many other support services. The ramp program is a coordinated effort of volunteers, donated funds and donated materials. 55 Federal Street, Greenfield, 413-774-3001, 1-800-804-1899 or www.stavros.org.
Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP), operated by Easter Seals, provides low-interest loans to qualified people with disabilities and their families to purchase assistive technology devices and services. If you are not eligible for home modifications under the HMLP, you can apply to the ATLP. Call 800-244-2756 ext.428 TTY 1-800-564-9700 or email: MassATLoan@eastersealsma.net
New England INDEX has a wealth of information for people with disabilities, their friends, families and the people who serve them. Information within this site focuses on Massachusetts. Call (617) 642-0248 or (800) 642-0249 and request a fact sheet entitled "Possible Financial Resources" or go to www.DisabilityInfo.org Veteran's Administration has a "Specially Adapted Housing Program." Call (800) 827-1000 for information.
Veterans Resources:Veterans Administration has a “Specially Adapted Housing Program”. Call (800) 827-1000 for information or go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans.sah.asp General information about federal VA benefits is at http://vip.vba.va.gov/portal/VBAH/Home