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Author: David

Changes to UK law will impact on the repair of domestic appliances for UK householders

Right to repair

Written by David on . Posted in Blog.

Recent changes to UK laws, focusing on the right to repair mean that the life cycle of domestic appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and televisions should be lengthened, and subsequently their costs reduced.

The right to repair for domestic appliances harks back to our membership of the EU; who have implemented rules in tandem to ensure the reduced costs of appliances consumers, as well as decreased energy consumption. Arrangements were being made prior to Brexit, and part of the deal, are being implemented in the UK to ensure wider compliance. This also means that UK manufacturers will need to adhere to the new laws in order to sell products within the EU.

Spares and Repairs

The new rules mean that manufacturers will have to provide spare parts and manuals for up to ten years. It also means that repairs should be achievable using standard tools, without damaging the appliance.

These changes are designed to enable consumers to carry out cheaper repairs by themselves or independent professionals, rather than being held ‘hostage’ by the manufacturers.

Replace or Repair?

The age-old dilemma when appliances have suffered a major failure (usually just as you’ve come home from holiday or some other equally unhelpful time!) is whether it would simply be cheaper to replace the unit or get it repaired.

The rule changes are designed to promote the repair option, removing the stranglehold that manufacturers have held over consumers. Much of the campaigning around the changes to legislation have slated exorbitant costs for repairs, and of course the suggestion of built-in obsolescence. Concerns over the lifetime of such appliance have long been raised.

Interestingly, in a step to further promote longer-term maintenance, Sweden has applied a lower rate of VAT to repairs and spare parts.

Environmental Benefits

As well as reducing costs, these changes will of course bear dividends for the environment. It’s estimated that there are 1.5 million tonnes of electrical waste produced annually in the UK. Only 40% of this waste is recycled, creating a significant impact on waste levels, which it is hoped will be drastically reduced.

We can help!

Infinity Home Services’ appliance engineers are already well-versed in the repair of a wide range of appliances, and can be with you in as little as 2 hours – simply call 0800 148 8088 or complete the form below.

By agreeing to this, I agree to receiving updates about our services, promotions, special offers, news and events from Infinity ProServ Ltd (T/a Infinity Home Services) and any sister companies.
Infinity Home Services' guide to VAT relief on disability-related projects

VAT relief for disability works

Written by David on . Posted in Blog.

If you’re having to undertake works to your home to aid your living due to a disability, you may be able to claim VAT relief on the cost of the works; offering you significant savings.

What is VAT relief?

Simply put, the HMRC have outlined a range of works and improvements to homes which are deemed to be VAT-free, meaning your contractors will not need to charge you VAT at all.

It’s important to note, however, that this is not a refund process, but an exemption from paying VAT at the outset. It’s therefore vital to ensure that works are appropriate in order to qualify for the exemption, and that your building contractor is competent and knowledgeable in order to ensure full compliance to the process.

Qualifying for VAT relief

In order to qualify for VAT relief on these projects, you must be deemed ‘chronically sick or disabled’ as defined by HMRC. This doesn’t mean that you will necessarily be registered disabled, or in receipt of related benefits. HMRC classifies chronically sick or disabled as:

  • “Suffering physical or mental impairment which has a long term and substantial adverse effect upon your ability to carry out everyday activities
  • Suffering a condition which the medical profession treats as a chronic sickness (that’s a longterm health condition)”

HMRC states clearly that the above classification does not relate to temporary conditions or decreased mobility specifically linked to old age.

As VAT relief for these works comes via self-certification, HMRC will not advise individual cases in terms of eligibility. Therefore, you should seek medical advice (documentation of which should be retained) if you’re unsure as to your qualification.

Any qualifying works must be carried out within a private residence where you normally reside. It doesn’t not necessarily need to be owned by you, and could even be a close relative’s, but must be your predominant residence. For the purposes of qualifying external works such as ramps, ‘your home’ also includes sheds and outside spaces.

Eligibility Declarations

As the exemption from VAT is self-certified, and not a refund, it falls to the client and contractor to demonstrate qualification of the works and disabled user. Typically, contractors will ask you to complete a simple eligibility declaration, which they will retain alongside their financial records to provide to HMRC. HMRC’s eligibility declaration form can be found here.

If you are having multiple projects completed to aid your mobility, you will need to complete a form for each individual supplier.

Eligible VAT-free projects

There are a range of building projects and improvements that you can undertake to your home which qualify for VAT relief under this scheme. Typical works include:

  • Ramps
  • Doorway, passage and path widening
  • Bathrooms, wet rooms, washrooms and toilets
  • Lifts
  • Associated/enabling works

Ramps, doorways and passages

Having a ramp built either within or into your home qualifies for VAT exemption under this scheme.

It is important to note though, that decreasing the levels of doorway thresholds or the replacement of floor coverings is ineligible.

The widening of doorways or passages, and even rooms where you must pass through to reach other rooms is eligible for you not to have to pat VAT. This also includes the widening of paths outdoors within your garden.

However, creating new doorways, passages or indeed rooms does not qualify for VAT exemption. Nor does creating new entrances or replacing windows with doors, new paths or driveways.

Infinity Home Services’ experienced building and external works teams can assist with any such works.

Bathrooms, wet rooms, washrooms and toilets

VAT exemption applies to a range of works to bathrooms to aid accessibility. Such works include having a new wet room, bathroom, washroom or toilet installed or existing facilities extended or adapted to improve access.

Works may include:

  • Having a bath removed and replaced with a shower or walk-in bath if, because of your disability, you have difficulty getting in and out of a traditional bath
  • Having a bathroom installed on the ground floor if, because of your disability, you’re not able to get upstairs
  • Altering an existing bathroom to allow wheelchair access around the room.

Infinity Home Services’ experience building works teams can assist in such works, and sister company Infinity Wet Rooms can offer full turnkey support with the provision of wet rooms designed to enhance mobility.

Lifts

The installation of a lift to improve mobility is also exempt from paying VAT, as is ongoing repair and maintenance of the lift in the future.

Associated / Enabling Works

Many of the projects outlined already often encompass more associated works to allow their completion than simply the single measures mentioned. Such enabling or associated works will also benefit from the VAT relief. Examples cited by HMRC include:

  • Having a doorway widened the supply and fitting of a wider door frame and door, removal of the bricks and mortar and the restoration of the damaged decor can all be VAT-free
  • Having your bathroom adapted to install a walk-in shower, the replacement of any porcelain goods that need taking out as a result of the new installation and any necessary re-tiling can be VAT-free
  • Whilst having an extension to provide a downstairs bathroom, the VAT-free work can include the preparation of footings (including ground levelling), connection to services (water, gas, electricity and drainage) and the restoration of the immediate decor

Building materials and goods

If you are using a competent professional contractor to undertake your building project, all materials used within the eligible works will also be VAT-free. Assuming that they are VAT-registered, the contractor will reclaim the VAT paid for materials and goods, with no charge to you for VAT.

If you are using a contractor who’s not VAT registered, they are of course, unable to reclaim the VAT for the materials used. In this case, you will need your contractor to arrange for the materials directly to you; on a VAT-free basis from a VAT registered supplier. In this situation, you will need to provide again an eligibility declaration to the materials supplier to ensure compliance.

Certain fixtures and fittings which are designed solely for disabled people are also VAT-free at point of purchase. More information can be sought from HMRC here.

Ineligible works

The exemption from VAT applies only to the categories of work listed above. Whilst other projects around your home may benefit your disability or impairment, it will not be able to benefit from the VAT-free status. Such schemes might include:

  • Construction of a downstairs bedroom or adaptation of an existing room to form a bedroom
  • Installation or upgrade of a domestic heating system, for example, boilers and radiators
  • Replacement windows
  • New kitchens
  • Extension or adaptation of the property to provide a conservatory, carer’s room, office or living room

Reduced-rate VAT for mobility aids for older people

For those who are over 60, but not disabled or chronically sick, some mobility aids will attract a lower (5%) rate of VAT. Such aids include grab rails, ramps, stair lifts, bath lifts, built-in shower seats or showers containing built-in shower seats and walk-in baths with sealable doors. Further information can be found here.

We can help

Infinity Home Services, and our sister company Infinity Wet Rooms can provide complete support for all mobility-enhancing works. Call now on 0800 148 8088 or contact using the form below for a no-obligation consultation on how we can help you.

By agreeing to this, I agree to receiving updates about our services, promotions, special offers, news and events from Infinity ProServ Ltd (T/a Infinity Home Services) and any sister companies.
Infinity Home Services looks at the damage caused to homes and gardens by strong winds

Gone with the wind

Written by David on . Posted in Blog.

The UK is currently being battered by several days of heavy, gusting wind. Whilst this might be good for kites, drying clothes and maybe cutting travel time on flights; it doesn’t always bode well for our homes and gardens. We’re looking at the areas where you might need to think about maintenance or repairs in light of this blowing concern.

In heavy wind, fence panels are often blown out, or damaged, requiring repair.

Fences

Fences can be particularly vulnerable in high winds. They’re lightweight, and given their size and construction, easily catch the wind, acting like a sail.

Often the first thing householders spot after a gale is that their fence panels have popped out, allowing easy access to their neighbours! Usually, fence panels can be picked up (carefully, once the wind has died down) and slotted back in to place.

Sometimes though, these heavy winds can damage panels beyond repair, or even cause their posts to be moved if their foundations are not suitable, or have begun to deteriorate (particularly where wooden posts are set directly in to the ground). In these cases, it’s often preferable to call in a handyman or gardener/landscaper to assist in either repairing damage, or in some cases installing new fencing.

Roofs

Roofs are again a common area of concern in high winds. Naturally, being as exposed as they are, at height where wind speed usually increases, roofs can be susceptible to more damage.

In terms of ‘whole’ roofs, lightweight and/or low-pitched roofs are most at risk; where they can suffer from uplift (a phenomenon caused by the variation in air pressure above and below the roof). Whilst winds that can tear off whole roofs are uncommon, there is always a risk.

More likely, however, is the chance of tiles or slates being either damaged or dislodged. In itself, falling debris is of course a danger to anyone or thing below. Should you spot missing slates or tiles, the roof is then also at risk of allowing water ingress; with the potential for water damage to building fabric including rafters and joists; and beyond.

With wind of course, often comes rain! With heavy winds really driving rain, water ingress can also occur through detailing areas such as lead flashing, felt laps or abutments with walls. It is highly common to hear homeowners complaining that they only see evidence of fresh leaks ‘when the wind blows this way’ – this is a common indicator or damage to these details failing.

Chimneys and aerials can be susceptible to damage in heavy wind. Infinity ProServ can help with maintenance.

Aerials and Chimneys

Whilst you’re looking upwards, other areas of your home that are situated at height might also need to come under scrutiny. Chimneys and aerials are the most common components that might struggle in the wind.

Much like the sound of rigging blowing around a marina, walk down any residential road and it won’t surprise you to hear (and then see) an aerial that has broken free of its fixings; particularly in this digital age where it might not still be in use and thus doesn’t affect signal. Whilst it might not impact on your viewing pleasures, this lump of metal sliding around your roof is doing damage to the slates or tiles, which could result in a far more costly repair being required.

Again, at the more extreme end of the spectrum, chimneys have been known to to succumb to heavy winds, leaving in its wake an expensive remedial repair, and again the potential for damage to anything in the chimney’s path when it comes down! Given their role for a house, and the increase in the use of wood burners, chimneys are now commonly in use again, and as such, the risk of a fire being cause by their deconstruction is again a significant concern (along with getting it swept regularly). Possibly the most important consideration is to ensure that the construction is sound; pointing is possibly the key consideration in ensuring that it is sound. Given their structure and location, chimneys also often feature a lot of flashing detail, which as we know can be susceptible to failure and allowing additional damage to occur.

Trees

Sadly gardens do suffer from the wind too; and particularly susceptible are our trees.

Good maintenance should ensure that we keep trees in fine fettle. Make sure that you keep questionable limbs in check, trimming back, or removing any which look damaged or even likely to cause damage should they break in heavy winds. Not only will this protect your trees, but it will also ensure that you can protect your wider property. Delimbing, or even removing whole trees is not for the faint-hearted though, and it is generally better to call in the experts for this type of work to ensure your safety.

Whilst we always try to maintain our homes proactively; it’s not always possible, and events such as the current poor weather can catch us off-guard. If ever you need help for roofing, fencing or landscaping issues, be sure to call Infinity Home Services on 0800 148 8088 or complete the form below.

By agreeing to this, I agree to receiving updates about our services, promotions, special offers, news and events from Infinity ProServ Ltd (T/a Infinity Home Services) and any sister companies.
Infinity Home Services looks at the outdoor maintenance and projects you need to consider for your garden and outside space

Spring has sprung – time for the garden

Written by David on . Posted in Blog.

Spring has sprung – time for the garden

It’s garden time! The nights are drawing out, the weather (touch wood) is improving, and flowers and lots of signs of new life are beginning to appear following a wet (and some might say miserable) winter.

Infinity ProServ looks at the outdoor maintenance and projects you need to consider for your garden and outside space

Especially this year; given the events of the past twelve months people’s spirits are rising as we begin to see the prospect of spring and summer and the chance to live more our life outdoors and soaking up valuable Vitamin D.

As we begin to venture outside again, inevitably there will be work to do in the garden; tidying up from winter and doing all of those maintenance jobs you’ve put off, gardening work including the first passes mowing the lawn or even thinking about those more exciting projects such as laying the new patio

Maintenance

Whilst they might not be the most exciting of jobs to think about, but coming out of winter there usually are a whole host of maintenance issues to consider. Some of these are borne out of problems that will have occurred over the winter, some are jobs that we just wouldn’t want to have to do when it’s cold and wet! The list below will give you some good starting points of jobs that you might need to think about:

  • Pressure washing – Patios, paths and block paving all look a bit better for a bit of a clean. If your garden is surrounded by trees, or suffers a bit of shade through the day, you might find that areas suffer a bit of greening up; which can sometimes become slippery when wet. With (hopefully) clear weather ahead, now’s the time to get the pressure washer out and spruce up these areas.
  • Level paving – The freeze/thaw nature of the coldest of winter weather can eventually lead to the base of paving to deteriorate, allowing paving slabs/blocks to become loose, and potentially wobbly. Ensure that these are re-laid to a firm, level base to avoid a trip hazard, particularly for older residents or children.
  • Repairing or repainting fencing – With most fences being wooden, the weather can quickly take its toll on fencing. Heavy winds might damage or even remove fence panels, and the wind and rain combine to wear away protective finishes such as paint or stain, allowing water ingress and the wood to deteriorate or even rot away. Now’s the time to replace those panels or get out there with your brushes.
  • Shed repairs – Again, generally being wooden means that garden sheds often bear the brunt of the winter weather. Make sure that roofs are still water tight, and replace damaged felt if necessary. Again, a good lick of paint or stain will help to preserve your sheds for the long-term.
  • Check guttering and downpipes – Winter, and autumn in particular brings with it the fall of leaves and foliage. Whilst you should keep an eye on this all of the time, spring is a great time to check all of your guttering, and give them a clear-out of any debris left over. Finish the job by running a hose in the gutter, and ensuring that the downpipes flow freely and are not blocked.
  • Visually check roof – Whilst direct access to your roof might not be possible, using a pair of binoculars and/or going up in your loft; visually check the state of your roof for any cracked tiles or slates, or if it’s a flat roof any damage to the felt capping sheet. Whilst a fix or replacement might not be straightforward, roofs really are an area where early intervention can pay dividends through reducing further cost from additional damage.
  • Pointing of brickwork – As with paving, a wet winter, and in particular a cold one, can cause damage to brickwork; particularly if the pointing is failing. Failed pointing will allow water access in to the bricks. The subsequent freeze/thaw action can then allow the faces of bricks to crack away, known as spalling. Again, early intervention with proactive pointing can reduce costs in the long term.
  • External painting – Much like your fencing, painting offers protection to your walls or woodwork for the longer term. Make sure you keep on top of redecorations, generally aiming to undertake this every 5-6 years.

Gardening

Gardens really start to come to life in the Spring as we all know. For those that way inclined it’s a time of great excitement, and the catalyst to really get things moving. For those who maybe aren’t so sure, some of the first steps to take are outlined below:

  • Wind damage – Winter takes its toll in the garden too. Think about tidying up any wind damage to trees and bushes to keep things tidy.
  • Planting – The warming of the air and soil means that spring can be a busy time for planting both flower bulbs as well as fruit and vegetables, both outside in the soil and in pots.
  • Weeding – Whilst it’s lovely seeing your plants and lawn coming to life, the downside is that weeds are also going to start to flourish, so it’s time to get on top of them, and keep on top with regular weeding!
  • Pruning – If you missed the boat before winter, give roses and other annuals a quick trim back to their lowest buds to allow them to flourish this year. Winter-flowering plants such as Jasmine can be pruned back also. A little later in spring, hedges such as Buxus can be given the first of several ‘haircuts’ to promote new growth.
  • Lawns – When temperatures exceed 5 Degrees Celcius, grass will keep on growing, so it will be time to start mowing regularly again will start to need to be mown. Spring is also a great time to give the lawn a feed, aerate it (to improve drainage) and cut the edges back.
  • Whilst we might think our feathered friends have survived another winter, make sure you keep feeding them – they’re reaching their main breeding season and need to keep their strength up!
  • Gardens host many, many beneficial insects. If you have the space, think about adding some plants that will help them thrive. The Royal Horticultural Society gives great information on what you could plant here.

Projects

It’s one thing to ‘get the garden straight’, but garden’s should also be somewhere to enjoy. Through the COVID pandemic, we all found a new love for our outside spaces, with many people undertaking projects to create improved spaces. Many people will be thinking now about what their plans are for larger external works so that they can be enjoyed for the summertime, such as:

  • Fencing – We all like a bit of privacy, and fencing is usually one of the first jobs we tackle when working on our gardens. Many people opt for simple fence panels, but how about looking at alternatives such as wicker fencing, or using fast growing plants such as bamboo to offer screening.
  • Patios – Nicely paved areas offer versatility for gardens, particularly for families where it can provide a great space for kids on bikes or scooters. Numerous options existing including block paving, slabs (in numerous options) or even old-school crazy paving. Don’t forget to consider drainage so that you don’t create wet spots when it rains!
  • Outdoor living spaces – 2020 saw a huge rise in the uptake of outdoor rooms such as offices, summerhouses and gazebo/pergola areas to maximise outdoor living.
  • BBQ areas – Allied to the outdoor living movement, more people are now creating outdoor, or ‘summer’ kitchens incorporating BBQs, pizza ovens and even smokers.

Contact Us

So hopefully we’ve given you the impetus to get outside and start enjoying your gardens and outdoor spaces. We all know the benefits of sunshine and fresh air, so why not make the most of what we have available. Taking just a few of those steps and ideas outlined above could help you reduce maintenance costs or ideally improve your surroundings. Infinity Home Services is always there to help you make your dreams a reality with our external works and landscaping team. Call now on 0800 148 8088 or complete the form below.

By agreeing to this, I agree to receiving updates about our services, promotions, special offers, news and events from Infinity ProServ Ltd (T/a Infinity Home Services) and any sister companies.

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