We bet you didn’t think that home improvement companies could improve your health, did you? According to senior NHS managers, calling on them to help with your home could keep you healthy.
But how exactly does that work? Well, the NHS thinks that if your home is in a better state of repair, it’s less likely to damage your health. Find out the home improvements ‘the doctors’ are ordering for you.
Damp proofing
Research shows that cold and damp homes cost the NHS £2.5 billion every year. That’s because damp can increase the risk of respiratory problems.
So if you’ve got damp in your home, it’s time to investigate getting some damp proofing. It could be that your damp proof course (DPC) has failed, or you may have never had one.
Damp proofing companies will be able to tell you whether you have a DPC or if it has failed. They will be able to offer solutions to your damp problems that fit into your budget.
Unsure what damp proofing will cost? Our guide has the latest prices and information to help you decide.
General work to prevent hazards
If you’re elderly, hazards in the home can increase the likelihood of you falling. So if you can see anything that could cause you to trip, get it sorted out.
Whether it’s a loose floorboard or a door that’s coming off its hinges, consider calling some home improvement companies to get a quote.
Insulation
We all know that being cold can cause problems with our health. One way to keep more heat in your home is to get it insulated.
There are many types of insulation, including cavity wall, solid wall and loft. Some people qualify for free insulation, but check with your local authority and online to see whether you are eligible.
Draught-proofing is another cheap and effective way of keeping warm. Not only will you feel warmer, but you’ll be able to turn your thermostat down, saving you money on your heating bills.
Insulation does vary depending on what you are looking to have done. Our guide to insulation costs give you a good idea what this is likely to be and how much you might save.
Double glazing
If you’ve not got double glazing already, it’s worth upgrading to keep warm.
Double glazing works by having two panes of glass set apart from each other, with the space in between filled with gas. This helps to trap heat in your home and stop cold air from passing through from outside.
If you’ve got very old double glazing, it’s also a good idea to see if you should upgrade it. To find out what double glazing costs read our online guide.
Energy efficient boilers
An old boiler can not only cost you hundreds in heating bills every year, but it can also be a serious risk to your health.
A faulty boiler can emit poisonous carbon monoxide gas, which can cause headaches and other flu-like symptoms, and can even lead to death.
Upgrading your boiler will help reduce your bills, keep you safe from CO poisoning and keep you warmer at lower temperatures. It should use the heat it produces more efficiently, and you won’t get left in the cold from a boiler breakdown.
The cost of a new boiler can vary greatly so our guide can help you understand what it will cost and how much you can save.
So there we have it. 5 ways that home improvement companies could benefit your health by offering their services to you. If your home needs some upgrading, fill in the form below to get in touch with up to 4 tradespeople.