When you improve or adapt your home, one of the first decisions you need to make is whether or not you need a Home Improvement Agency (HIA). It can have a big impact on the cost and quality of the building works
How do I know if I need an HIA?
There is no law saying you have to employ an HIA – it is up to you
Some people successfully undertake quite major works – including large home adaptations such as extensions – without a HIA
Others engage a HIA for comparatively minor jobs, such as fitting a grabrail
If you have a very clear idea of what you want or a builder whose judgement and vision you trust and can afford to pay for all the work yourself then a HIA is less necessary
If you don’t know what you need, then a HIA can help give you ideas and consider other options that you may not have considered.
A HIA can also help you to apply for a grant towards the cost of adaptations and repairs.
If you don’t trust builders or are busy or inexperienced, a HIA can help you keep an informed eye on the builders and make sure the project stays on track
If a HIA is what you want, make sure you get one: they must be registered on www.findmyHIA.org.uk
What are the advantages of having a HIA?
If you engage a HIA, you will pretty much always end up with a better end product
HIAs are good at ensuring the work is professionally done – that it meets the requirements of building control.
A HIA can also help you apply for grants, find the best builder, project manage the whole works, and keep within budget. The HIA is the expert eyes and ears, whose job it is to represent your interests with builders and local authorities.
What are the disadvantages of having a HIA?
The HIA’s fees generally add about 10-15% to the cost of a project. If you are on a really tight budget, you will be tempted to try to do without. However, a good HIA can also save you money on big projects – it doesn’t make sense to cut corners on design or project management - or access grant funding.
A HIA is also one more person to deal with, and another relationship to navigate. If you have a very trusted builder you are close to, then you may feel on smaller projects that a HIA gets in the way
Very occasionally clients fall out with their HIA, which can make the whole process agonising
