What to Look For When Inspecting an SDA Home
SDA home inspection checklist: what to look for when inspecting an SDA home, from access and bathrooms to housemates, location and the fine print.
Photos and floor plans only tell you so much. When it comes to a home you might live in for years, nothing replaces walking through it yourself and paying attention to the right things. This SDA home inspection checklist walks you through what to look for on the day — the access, the details, the housemates and the paperwork — so you can decide with your eyes open.
Before you go: know what you're checking
Getting in and moving around
The bathroom and bedroom
Support, staffing and how the home runs
Housemates and the household
Location and the everyday
The paperwork and the fine print
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for when inspecting an SDA home?
Check step-free access from the street to and through the door, doorway and hallway widths, level flooring, and room to move. Look closely at the bathroom and bedroom for transfer space and fittings, ask how support is staffed, meet potential housemates, and review the location and the agreements.
Should I bring anyone to an SDA inspection?
Yes, if you can. Bring someone who knows your needs well — a family member, support worker, or your occupational therapist. They catch things you might miss, and an OT can judge whether the access genuinely works for you rather than just meeting the category on paper.
Can I choose my own support provider in an SDA home?
Often, yes. Your SDA (housing) provider and your SIL (support) provider can be separate organisations, so you're not always obliged to take support from whoever owns the building. Ask directly whether support is tied to the home before you commit.
What paperwork should I check before moving into SDA?
Check the SDA enrolment matches the design category you're funded for, understand your Reasonable Rent Contribution and what it covers, and read the service agreement for notice periods and how easily you can leave. Take the documents away and have someone you trust review them.