Minor Home Repair Program Provides Low-Cost Fixes for Area Homeowners

Lisa W. Michaud, Manager, In-Home Support Services

Mary, 68, lived with her disabled daughter in a rented duplex, and was worried about falling on the three steps that led from her home to the sidewalk. Her landlord was unwilling to install hand railings on the steps, and with her fixed Social Security income she could not afford to hire an independent contractor. After receiving permission from the owner, Senior Services' Minor Home Repair Program installed the handrails for her.

Minor Home Repair also came to the rescue for Ila, 92, and her live-in caregiver. Ila's toilet was leaking and she was worried that the floor was being damaged from the water. The Repair Specialist made all the necessary repairs and confirmed that there was no additional damage from the leak.

Deadre, 80, contacted Minor Home Repair when her water heater failed. She reports that when the Repair Specialist was unable to find a water heater in nearby hardware stores that would fit the compact space, he contacted another worker in a different part of town. His colleague was able to obtain the correct size unit, delivered it to the home, and hauled the old one away to recycle. Deadre was charged only $35 labor in addition to material costs, and reports that she was "just amazed and delighted as can be."

Through funding from the Cities of Seattle, Bellevue and Shoreline, Senior Services' Minor Home Repair Program offers a solution to the high cost of home maintenance. Minor Home Repair provides minor structural repairs to keep the home and occupants safe.

Eligible homeowners of all ages can qualify for a variety of repairs based on income and family size. Materials are provided at cost and there is a small charge for labor. Estimates are free and interest-free payment arrangements can be made.

Repairs can be made to the primary house structure only and include:

Plumbing

• Fix leaking pipes and faucets
• Clear clogged drains
• Replace defective toilets and sinks

Carpentry

• Rebuild broken steps
• Install locks and deadbolts
• Repair rotted and unsafe porches
• Replace broken doors and windowpanes

Electrical

• Replace broken switches, sockets, and fixtures
• Install smoke detectors

Special Aids for Disabled Access

• Build wheelchair ramps
• Install grab bars and handrails

To be eligible for the program, you must be a homeowner, live within Seattle, Bellevue or Shoreline city limits, and have a monthly income of $3,475 or less for a single person or $3,975 for a couple. Renters with disabilities may be eligible for disability access modification with the consent of the landlord.

Here are some comments from a recent satisfaction survey completed by Program clients:

"They made repairs I had just let go for years because of the high cost to fix them. They repaired all my leaky faucets and weather stripping for much less than a commercial company would. Those little repairs make life more pleasant. Thanks!"

"This is a wonderful program for people with a limited income."

"I'm an eighty-year-old senior citizen, and low-income homeowner. Your repairs have made me feel safer in my home. Professional and courteous work. Thanks!"

"We're satisfied with your specialist. Besides their repair work, they are kind enough to give extra info, such as aftercare, where to buy parts and so on. Thank you for providing this program."

For more information about how the Minor Home Repair program can help you or to schedule a repair, please call 206-448-5751.