Getting your home ready for repairs

Repairs are usually quicker, safer and less stressful when the area is ready before we arrive.

This guide explains how to prepare for your appointment, what to expect on the day, and what to do after the repair is finished.

Before your repair appointment

  • Check the appointment date and time, and let us know as soon as possible if it no longer works for you so we can rearrange.
  • Make sure someone aged 18 or over can be at home to let us in, unless you’ve agreed another arrangement in advance with us.
  • Clear the area around where the repair is needed so the operative can work safely. Move furniture, stored items, rugs, decorations and personal belongings, where possible. 
  • Remove fragile, valuable or sentimental items from the room or work area.
  • If you’re unable to move heavy furniture or lift floor coverings yourself, please ask a friend, family member or neighbour for help before the appointment if you can. Don’t try to move anything heavy if you might injure yourself. If you think you may have difficulty preparing for the repair, contact us before the appointment so we can discuss what support may be available.
  • Make sure the operative can easily reach the item or area that needs repairing.
  • Make a note of the problem, when it started and whether it’s getting worse. Photos can also help.

Keeping everyone safe

  • Keep children away from the work area. 
  • Keep pets in another room during the repair. 
  • Let us know before your appointment if anyone in your home needs extra support. We can discuss how to make the visit easier. 
  • Tell the operative about anything that could affect safety, such as loose flooring, exposed wires, leaks or asbestos concerns.

Practical preparation by type of repair

Repair type How to prepare
Plumbing or leaks Clear the area under sinks and around toilets, baths, showers, water tanks and stop taps. If water is leaking, use towels or a bowl to catch it. Try not to use the affected fitting until it’s been repaired.
Heating or hot water Make sure we can easily reach your boiler, heating controls, radiators, airing cupboard and any meters.
Electrical repairs Clear access to sockets, switches, fuse boxes and appliances linked to the problem. If it’s safe to do so, switch off and unplug affected items.
Windows, doors or locks Move curtains, blinds, furniture and other items away from the window or door so our operative can reach it easily.
Damp, mould or plastering Move furniture away from affected walls and keep the area clear so we can inspect the problem.
Kitchen or bathroom repairs Clear worktops, cupboards and floors in the area where the repair is needed. Move any personal items, such as toiletries, out of the way.

On the day of the appointment

  • Ask to see identification before allowing anyone into your home.
  • Show the operative the problem and explain any changes since you reported it.
  • Keep the work area clear while the repair is being carried out.
  • Follow any safety advice given by the operative, especially if water, gas, electricity, ladders, dust or tools are involved.
  • If the operative cannot complete the repair, ask what will happen next and whether a follow-up appointment is needed.

If you need to change the appointment

If you can no longer make the appointment, contact us as soon as you can. We'll work with you to arrange another suitable date and time.

After the repair

  • Check the repair before our operative leaves, if it’s safe to do so.
  • Ask how long any sealant, paint, plaster or glue needs to dry before you use it.
  • Keep any paperwork, job numbers or details of future appointments.
  • Let us know as soon as possible if the problem is still there, if you notice any new damage or if you have any safety concerns
  • If a temporary repair has been carried out, ask when the full repair is expected.

Quick checklist

  • My appointment is booked and confirmed.
  • Someone aged 18 or over will be at home (if needed).
  • The area for the repair is clear and easy to access.
  • Children and pets will be kept away from the work area.
  • Valuable or fragile items have been moved to a safe place.
  • The operative can easily reach any cupboards, meters, boiler or stop tap needed for the repair.
  • I have photos or notes about the problem, if helpful.
  • I have told Amplius about any disability, health condition or support needs.