What Are NDIS Home Modifications?
Home modifications are changes made to a participant's home environment to improve safety, accessibility, and independence. Under the NDIS, home modifications are funded through the Capital Supports budget and always require an occupational therapy assessment before approval.
The NDIS separates home modifications into two distinct categories: minor and major. The category determines the assessment requirements, the documentation needed, and how the modification is funded. Getting this right from the start saves time and helps avoid delays.
Minor Home Modifications
Minor home modifications are straightforward changes that do not affect the structure of the home. They are generally lower cost, can be completed quickly, and do not require a registered building practitioner in most cases.
Examples of minor modifications include:
- Grab rails in bathrooms, toilets, and along steps
- Handheld showers and shower hose extensions
- Lever taps replacing traditional tap handles
- Non-slip strips on steps and wet area floors
- Threshold ramps for small level changes
- Banister rails along internal stairs
- Portable ramps for accessing entryways
For minor modifications, the occupational therapist completes a home assessment, documents the participant's functional need, and prepares a brief report outlining the recommended changes. This report is submitted to the NDIS along with quotes from suitable providers.
Major Home Modifications
Major home modifications involve structural changes to the home and typically require planning approval, a registered building practitioner, and a more detailed assessment process. These modifications are significantly more expensive and involve multiple stakeholders.
Examples of major modifications include:
- Bathroom reconfiguration including hobless showers, wider doorways, and accessible fixtures
- Ramped entries replacing steps at the front or rear of the home
- Kitchen modifications such as height-adjustable benches and accessible cooking appliances
- Doorway widening to accommodate wheelchair access
- Through-floor lifts and vertical platform lifts
- Ceiling hoists for transfers between rooms
Major modifications require a Complex Home Modifications (CHM) assessment conducted by an occupational therapist with demonstrated experience in complex modifications. The report must include detailed functional evidence, floor plans, specifications, and engagement with a builder familiar with accessibility requirements.
The OT's Role in the Process
Regardless of whether a modification is minor or major, the occupational therapist plays a central role in:
- Assessing functional need - Understanding how the participant uses their home and where barriers exist
- Recommending specific modifications - Ensuring the solution matches the participant's current and future needs
- Documenting evidence - Writing reports that meet NDIS Operational Guideline requirements
- Coordinating with builders - Liaising with trades to ensure recommendations are implemented correctly
- Conducting post-installation review - Confirming the modification works as intended
How Long Does the Process Take?
Timelines vary considerably between minor and major modifications:
- Minor modifications - Typically 2 to 3 weeks from home assessment to report submission, plus NDIS approval time
- Major modifications - Often 3 to 6 months from initial assessment to completion, depending on complexity, builder availability, and approval timelines
Starting early is the best way to avoid delays. If a plan review is approaching, beginning the assessment process well in advance helps ensure funding requests are supported with current evidence.
What About Renting or Temporary Homes?
Home modifications can still be funded for participants who rent, but landlord consent is required for most permanent changes. Where consent cannot be obtained, portable alternatives such as portable ramps, freestanding grab bars, and over-toilet frames may be more suitable.
Getting Started
If you or a participant you support needs a home modification assessment, our occupational therapists complete assessments across Melbourne and Western Sydney. We deliver both minor and complex home modification reports to NDIS requirements.
To discuss a referral, call us on 0450 874 303 or email admin@ergotherapygroup.com.au. You can also submit a referral through our [referral page](/referrals).