What a home modification assessor is
A home modification assessor is someone who makes recommendations about ways to help you live more independently in your home.
They are an occupational therapist with special qualifications and experience. They must have:
- professional occupational therapist qualifications and be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APRHA)
- completed post graduate education and/or training specifically on the assessment, specification and implementation of home modifications.
What a home modification assessor is for
You will need to work with a home modification assessor if you want minor or complex home modifications.
For these types of modifications, they'll do a home modification assessment with you. They'll ask about your disability support needs at home and certify the effectiveness of the modification to meet your goals and likely future needs, during planning and on completion of the works.
Tip: Looking for a home modification assessor to work with?
You can use our provider finder to find a home modification assessor in your area. Your my NDIS contact can also help connect you with a home modification assessor.
What working with a home modification assessor is like
Explain the process
The assessor will explain the home modification assessment process to you. They’ll explain their role and the approval process.
Understand your goals and needs
The assessor will talk to you about your goals and current NDIS supports. This is so they have a good understanding of what home modifications will help you with your disability support needs and to work towards your goals, and fit best with your other supports.
Do the assessment at your home
The assessor will complete the assessment. They'll do this with you and ask questions about your needs. They may complete a minor home modification assessment template or a complex home modification assessment template.
Provide advice
The assessor will explain your options and provide advice on what home modifications will help you with your needs and work towards your goals.
Make recommendations
The assessor will give us recommendations on the most appropriate home modification option for you.
Work with builders and planners, if needed
If you need a complex home modification, we may be able to provide funding for a building construction practitioner. They’ll work with you and your assessor to help plan the recommended modifications. They can help you with the review and appointment of builders or other suppliers.
Building construction practitioners have building knowledge and expertise to:
- give advice on the design and cost of home modifications
- outline the scope of work
- provide drawings so builders can give quotes on the works.
We’ll also fund a building works project manager when the modifications are very complex and involve major structural changes to your home. Once your complex home modification is approved, a building works project manager can help find a builder and supervise construction.
Building works project managers have building knowledge and expertise to:
- give advice on the builders' qualifications and expertise
- make sure the builder delivers the agreed works
- help you manage the home modification project.
Both the building construction practitioner and the building works project manager should be independent of the builder.
You may also need help from other building professionals including architects, engineers and building surveyors. Your building construction practitioner will let you know if you need extra help from these professionals.