WoonKeu advisor link between resident, owner and government
We are getting older and staying longer in our own homes; many homes are not suitable for this purpose. Residents can live independently for longer without unnecessary investment if they are aware in time that they can. As the link between resident, owner and government, WoonKeur and SKW Certification are introducing the WoonKeuradviseur. The advisor works with the criteria of the Handbook WoonKeur Bestaande Woningen and helps with conscious choices to deploy resources in a targeted manner. The first advisors are already active and working at housing corporation Actium in Assen and Bouwkundige Begeleidings Adviesgroep (BBA) in Heemskerk.
Research shows that changing the housing situation is a huge task to allow people to live independently for longer, with or without tailored care. Timely action is required because acute problems often lead to decisions that are appropriate for the short term but not for the long term. This requires awareness among residents, homeowners and government. Also, the questions and (local) opportunities must be known to all parties involved. The WoonKeu advisor is the link; he (she) is the expert who is close to the people and comes to their homes. He knows what is needed in a home to be able to live there with functional limitations. This leads to conscious choices with interventions that are relevant and feasible for the resident so that resources are used in a targeted manner.
Handbook of WoonKeur Existing Homes
The consultant works with the criteria of the Handbook WoonKeur Bestaande Woningen, developed by housing consumer organizations, governments and housing associations. The key point is that the advisor combines the advice with his or her own services; he or she visits people's homes anyway. The WoonKeuradviseur helps residents and private owners become more aware of their homes and renovations. This also provides well-founded advice if facilities have to be granted through the WMO office due to old-age deficiencies. Anyone can become a WoonKeuradviseur as long as the requirements are met: employees of housing corporations or of municipalities, real estate agents, contractors, architectural or energy consultants, architects, volunteers from elderly associations and VACpunt Wonen, etc.
Actium housing inspectors first certified
The first to be certified are the housing inspectors at Actium housing corporation in Assen. Advisor strategy and policy Ron Thijsen: "Corporations generally know their stock very well. But accessibility can easily be overlooked, while these are often issues that you can solve with little means. Like the threshold to the balcony being just a centimeter too high. I find it very valuable that we now work with WoonKeur. We walk through the house with the tablet and use the app to take pictures, measure and add text. We take it away from the subjective perception of the individual employee and work with approved reports based on an objective test."
Insufficient WMO funds
As the elderly live longer and longer in their own homes, more and more homes need to be adapted. Due to insufficient WMO funds, residents will increasingly contribute to necessary home modifications themselves. Effective use of budgets is therefore very necessary. The WoonKeurad advisor discusses the possible adaptations with the resident and advises corporations, investors, private landlords and municipalities on the adaptability of the housing stock. His commitment is the solution because municipalities have fewer and fewer resources and they often do not know the state of their housing stock. For corporations, the consultant can inventory their property for possible adaptations.
Method of working WoonKeuradviseur
The WoonKeuradviseur examines and checks a large number of points that are important for living longer at home. He efficiently records the findings via a digital standardized method in a clear report that is checked by SKW Certification. This provides insight into the suitability of a home and any problems. During a recording, he can contact SKW Certification experts in doubtful cases about the interpretation of a requirement in a specific situation.
Course and certificate
The Residential Advisor course consists of three class days, an exam day, a return day and periodic refresher courses. The course explains and practices recording a home and a residential building. Those who pass receive the WoonKeuadvisor certificate. For information about who can become a WoonKeuradviseur, about the course itself and for all other questions, please contact Willem Englebert, project manager SKW Certificatie on 06 - 20 40 22 31 or at
