Additional mortgage borrowing - contractor employed by an umbrella

[soulrider]

We're looking to borrow against our existing mortgage - current outstanding on mortgage is 60,000 which is approx. 45% of the house value and we would be looking to borrow 20,000 for home improvements (new windows, utility, downstairs toilet).

The issue is I'm a contractor employed by an umbrella company and I'm unsure how this will affect things - I'm the main earner and our household income is around 80,000 a year currently. On paper it's easily affordable, but not sure if the nature of my work will cause issues - I had a 4 month period with no income last year. Any advice/suggestions?

My only advice is not waste time with mainstream lenders (High St banks and major internet mortgage firms) and seek out an independent mortgage broker instead - they'll know which lenders are happy to lend to contractors and what kind of information/confirmations/history each needs, so can go direct to the most likely. Otherwise you'll waste loads of time filling in forms for Virgin/Halifax etc only to get the answer "computer says no".

Speak to someone specialising in services for Contractors
Are you a member of IPSE? If so they can provide info