Home modifications

Changes to your home, such as rails, ramps or a modified bathroom, so you can move around and do daily tasks more safely.

What it means

Home modifications are changes made to your home so you can move around and carry out everyday tasks more safely and independently. They are about adapting the physical space to suit your needs, rather than expecting you to manage a home that does not work well for you. Common examples include grab rails, ramps, a modified bathroom, a step-free shower or wider doorways for a wheelchair.

Under the NDIS, home modifications usually sit within Capital supports in your plan. Capital supports cover higher-cost, one-off items like equipment and building changes, and the funding is generally set aside for that specific purpose. Modifications can range from small, simple changes through to more complex building work, depending on your disability and how it affects daily life at home.

In practice

Higher-cost or more complex modifications usually need an assessment before they are funded, often from an occupational therapist. The assessor looks at how you move around your home, what is getting in the way and what changes would help. They recommend suitable modifications, and you will usually need a quote from a builder or contractor as well.

This evidence helps the NDIA decide whether the modification is reasonable and necessary and represents value for money. If you rent, you will generally need the property owner's agreement before structural changes go ahead. Once approved and installed, the work should make daily tasks safer and easier. It is worth planning ahead, as assessments, quotes and building work can take time, and keeping copies of reports and quotes helps keep everything on track.

A real example

For example, Denise uses a wheelchair and cannot safely use her existing bathroom. An occupational therapist assesses her home and recommends a step-free shower, grab rails and a wider doorway. With the OT report and a builder's quote, the NDIA approves the modifications under her Capital supports, and Denise can now shower and move around far more safely on her own.

Home modifications — FAQs

What are home modifications?
Home modifications are changes to your home that help you move around and do everyday tasks more safely and independently. Examples include grab rails, ramps, a modified bathroom, a step-free shower and wider doorways. They adapt the space to suit your needs. Under the NDIS they usually sit within Capital supports, which cover higher-cost, one-off items and building changes.
Do I need an assessment for home modifications?
Usually, yes, especially for higher-cost or complex changes. An occupational therapist commonly assesses how you move around your home and recommends suitable modifications. You will generally also need a quote from a builder or contractor. This evidence helps the NDIA decide whether the modification is reasonable and necessary and represents value for money before funding it.
Can I get home modifications if I rent?
It is possible, but you will generally need the property owner's written agreement before any structural changes go ahead. Some smaller, non-structural changes may be simpler to arrange. It helps to talk with your landlord early and involve your occupational therapist, so everyone understands what is proposed and why it matters for your safety and independence.
What is the difference between minor and major modifications?
Minor modifications are smaller, simpler changes, such as grab rails or a handheld shower, and usually need less assessment. Major modifications involve more significant building work, such as widening doorways or fully reworking a bathroom, and generally need a detailed occupational therapy assessment and builder quotes. Both aim to make your home safer and easier to use.
How long do home modifications take?
It varies, and it is worth planning ahead. The process often includes an occupational therapy assessment, getting quotes, gaining NDIA approval and then the building work itself, and each step takes time. Complex modifications naturally take longer than simple ones. Keeping copies of reports and quotes and staying in contact with your provider helps keep things moving.

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