If you are considering having some work done on your property, there may be discounts available. As we are in the throes of a recession any business is welcome. You will find that local builders' merchants can supply discounts for senior citizens and this not only benefits you, but them too.

These businesses are counting on word of mouth to pass on the news, which is excellent and free advertising. If you need a painter and decorator, plumber or an electrician, use the Seniors Discounts Directory or trying ringing up a handful from the Yellow Pages, Thomsons, or the internet and ask how much they will discount you. If a contractor doesn’t offer discount rates, don't be discouraged, simply phone a few more and find one that does.

If the building work you need done is substantial, then always go with a reputable, well known company that is backed by an industry body. Employing someone through word of mouth is fine if you go and inspect their previous work and ask about the overall cost. The building industry is one of the most severely hit by the recession and not many people can afford to turn down work or refuse to give you a discount. Even if the discounts are only around 10%, it’s better than nothing.