The four most common barriers to complex home modifications

Home modifications can make a huge difference to the independence and wellbeing of NDIS participants. The more complicated a project becomes however, the more likely it is to run into barriers and hurdles, resulting in:

• Delays in construction
• Rejected funding applications
• Administrative issues
• Participants remaining in inaccessible housing

Complex NDIS home modification projects can be especially prone to issues such as these. That’s why today, our NDIS builders are taking a dive into some of the most common challenges, as well as how they can be avoided so participants can receive the life-changing modifications they need.

What are complex NDIS home modifications? The difference between complex and minor home modifications

Under the NDIS, there are two overarching categories of home modification: complex and minor home modifications. Minor modifications are broken into Category A and Category B modifications depending on the cost and scope.

Meanwhile, complex home modifications are projects which…

• Cost $20,000 (or more) in total
• Make structural changes to a home
• … or both

Complex modifications are substantial changes to a home that support the needs of participants with more significant disabilities. They are more expensive, challenging, and time-consuming than minor modifications, often involving multiple practitioners and specialist design.

Some common examples including:

• Full bathroom or kitchen redesigns
• Projects that require knocking down or removing walls
• Some door widening projects
• Stepless shower base or roll-in shower installation
• Enlarging or merging rooms

Planning and executing complex modifications takes much more planning than “simple” modifications such as grab rail installation. As such, there are more potential issues that can arise and delay or complicate a project.

That’s why our NDIS home modification builders in Melbourne are taking today as an opportunity to

“Why did the NDIA reject my modification quote?” 4 common hurdles that can stop a complex home modification from being completed

What evidence is needed for complex home modifications? How bad reporting can cause issues

The first step in any NDIS home modification project (regardless of complexity) is the OT report. Compiled by an Occupational Therapist, this is the document which identifies the barriers participants face in their daily lives, as well as specific recommendations for home modifications to support their needs.

A report that’s light on detail or which doesn’t properly address the approval criteria may be denied. This is especially true for complex home modifications, which may require more detail and supporting evidence.

One of the best ways to reduce risks when planning complex home modifications is to get the OT report right. Complex home modifications tend to be placed under greater scrutiny, so any OT report that recommends complex modifications and changes needs to be in-depth, thorough, and properly address the NDIS approval criteria, with strong supporting evidence.

Click here to learn more about common issues at the reporting and application stage.

Poor coordination and management can cause delays

Some participants may only require one or two modifications such as wheelchair ramp installation to make their homes more accessible. By contrast, complex home modifications often have many different changes and modifications.

For example, a participant with higher needs will require more modifications to make their home accessible. For them, an NDIS kitchen modification project might mean:

• Lowering and relocating kitchen benches
• Replacing old appliances with safer alternatives
• Adjusting plumbing, electrical wiring, and gas lines
• Installing more accessible cabinetry
• Removing walls and widening doorways to improve navigation
• Retiling surfaces

Many of these tasks may require different building practitioners or specialists. F or instance, appliance replacement may need to be performed by an electrician. Meanwhile, removing walls or widening doors will often require a structural engineer.

With multiple practitioners, it’s easy for miscommunications and coordination issues to arise. Effective management is critical to ensure clear communication and prevent delays and problems in the project. In these cases, funding may be provided for an NDIS-registered Building Works Manager to oversee and coordinate the project.

The right permits, permissions, and approvals are critical

Complex home modifications often require additional permits and approvals compared to other projects:

• Structural changes and changes which affect the existing floor space will require a building permit
• Complex modifications can affect wiring and plumbing, requiring tradespeople with specific training and licensing
• Complex projects can affect other properties, requiring approval from Body Corporates (where applicable)

Failing to obtain the right permits, permissions, and approvals is a common cause of hold-ups for complex home modifications. The key to avoiding delays is to understand which ones will be needed for a project and successfully organising all of them in advance.

Click here to learn more about NDIS home modifications and permits.

Construction challenges that can affect complex home modifications

Even the best-planned project can fall afoul of poor workmanship and mistakes. Build quality is essential for any renovation, but it’s especially important for home modification projects, since participants rely on these changes for their independence, safety, and quality-of-life.

That’s why finding the right builder to carry out a complex NDIS home modification project is so important. Compared to regular builders, NDIS-registered builders are required to:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of accessibility legislation
• Adhere to NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission guidelines
• Undergo ongoing quality assessments and audits

All of this helps reduce risk and ensures work is carried out to a high standard. This is important for any project, but it’s especially important for complex home modifications.

Need an NDIS builder in Melbourne?

Whether you’re an Occupational Therapist or a participant who’s self-managing their plan, finding the right builder is critical. A qualified builder doesn’t only ensure superior workmanship. Often times, they also provide critical support with:

• Obtaining permits
• Filing funding applications
• Project management
• Recommendations and suggestions

For complex home modification projects, this input and support can be the difference between a successful project and one marred by delays and issues.

Restore Home Modifications’ NDIS builders in Melbourne have extensive experience in all sorts of home modification projects. From simple handrail installation, to smart home modifications, to complex modifications that involve completely changing the layout of rooms, our team can help.

Find out how we can be a part of your project today. You can reach our experienced NDIS builders in Melbourne by calling 1300 333 746, email us at info@restorehm.com.au, or by filling out the contact form.