Home Modifications Assessments: What You Need to Know

A home modifications assessment is often the first step in making a house safer, more accessible, and easier to live in for people with disability or mobility limitations. Whether someone is recovering from an injury, living with a permanent condition, or caring for a family member with support needs, small changes to the home environment can make a major difference in day-to-day life.

In most cases, especially under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), home modifications must be clinically justified before they can be approved and funded. That’s where the assessment comes in. A qualified occupational therapist visits the home, understands how the person moves and lives in the space, and determines what needs to be changed to improve access, safety, or independence.

This process helps ensure that any modifications—whether simple or complex—are fit for purpose and deliver real improvements. From grab rails and ramps to full bathroom redesigns, the right assessment sets the foundation for effective, NDIS-compliant changes that meet both clinical and personal needs.

What Is a Home Modifications Assessment?

A home modifications assessment is a professional review of a participant’s home environment, carried out by an occupational therapist. The goal is to identify what changes are needed to support a person’s independence, safety, mobility, and daily function at home.

This assessment forms the evidence base for any NDIS-funded home modifications. It ensures that the recommended changes are reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the participant’s disability.

Key points about the assessment:

Conducted by a qualified occupational therapist (OT): The OT must be experienced in functional assessments and home modifications.
Includes an in-person home visit: The OT visits the property to see how the participant moves around, what barriers exist, and what risks need to be addressed.
Based on the participant’s functional needs: The assessment looks at how the person performs daily tasks, such as using the bathroom, entering and exiting the house, cooking, or moving between rooms.
Leads to a written report: The OT prepares a formal report that outlines the recommended modifications, why they’re needed, and how they’ll improve the participant’s ability to live at home safely and independently.
May involve builder collaboration: In more complex cases, the OT may consult with licensed builders to ensure structural feasibility and accurate cost estimates.

The outcome of a home modifications assessment is a detailed recommendation that aligns with the NDIS funding criteria and helps participants access support that’s practical, justified, and tailored to their living situation.

When Do You Need a Home Modifications Assessment?

A home modifications assessment is recommended when a person’s mobility, access, or independence at home is affected by a disability or long-term health condition. Recognising when to request one can help prevent injuries, reduce stress, and improve daily living.

You may need a home modifications assessment if:

You’re struggling to use key areas of the home, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or stairs
You rely on mobility aids, such as walkers or wheelchairs, and your home doesn’t accommodate them
You’re at risk of falling, slipping, or injuring yourself in daily tasks
A support coordinator or allied health professional has recommended it based on your functional needs
You’re seeking NDIS funding for home modifications, and need clinical justification for changes

Under the NDIS, home modifications must be considered reasonable and necessary and directly related to a participant’s disability. A qualified occupational therapist must assess the home to provide evidence for this funding.

Situations that often prompt an assessment include:

Discharge from hospital or rehab
Changes in mobility or physical condition
Concerns from carers or support workers about safety at home
Difficulty accessing entrances, bathrooms, or bedrooms
Transitioning into a new home that requires changes

If you’re unsure whether a home modifications assessment is appropriate, speaking with your occupational therapist or support coordinator can help clarify the next steps.

What Happens During the Assessment?

A home modifications assessment is a detailed, structured process. It goes beyond a quick inspection—it’s designed to match the home environment with the participant’s daily needs, using clinical evidence to justify any recommended changes.

Here’s what typically happens:

Initial conversation: The occupational therapist begins by discussing your current challenges, routines, goals, and what areas of the home you’re finding difficult to use.
Functional assessment: The therapist observes how you move through the home, complete tasks like showering or cooking, and navigate with or without equipment. This helps identify what changes could improve safety and independence.
Room-by-room walkthrough: The OT inspects relevant areas such as entrances, hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms to identify barriers or hazards.
Measurements and photos: Accurate measurements and visual documentation are collected to support specific recommendations, and may be shared with builders or designers during planning.
Discussion of possible solutions: In some cases, the therapist may suggest both minor and major modifications, along with alternatives (such as assistive technology) to compare outcomes.
Coordination with trades if needed: For complex modifications, the OT may involve a licensed builder early to check what’s structurally possible and to gather quotes for the NDIS report.

The outcome of the visit is a formal written report that includes clinical reasoning, drawings or sketches, cost estimates (if available), and clear justification for every recommended change.

Who Can Complete the Assessment?

At Zenzability, all home modifications assessments are completed by qualified occupational therapists with hands-on experience supporting NDIS participants. These assessments need to meet strict NDIS guidelines, especially when funding is involved, so it’s important that the therapist understands both the person and the property.

Every assessment is carried out by an occupational therapist who:

Is registered with AHPRA
Understands how disability impacts daily living at home
Knows how to identify risks and barriers in real environments
Has experience recommending both minor and complex modifications
Can prepare detailed NDIS reports that meet funding criteria

For minor changes, like grab rails or handheld showers, the process is often more straightforward. For complex modifications, such as major bathroom works, ramp installations, or changes to the structure of a home, the NDIS requires an OT who meets specific standards and works closely with a licensed builder.

Types of Modifications That May Be Recommended

A home modifications assessment often leads to a set of practical recommendations tailored to the person and the property. These changes are designed to remove barriers, reduce safety risks, and support greater independence in everyday life.

Common recommendations include:

Minor modifications like

Grab rails near toilets or in showers
Handheld or adjustable-height shower heads
Slip-resistant flooring
Threshold ramps or step wedges

Mid-level changes such as

Widening doorways for wheelchair access
Lever-style taps for easier use
Handrails for stairs and walkways

Complex modifications, which may involve

Full bathroom redesigns for wheelchair access
External ramps with compliant gradients
Kitchen adjustments like lower benchtops or accessible storage
Relocation of rooms to reduce reliance on stairs

In some cases, the therapist might also recommend assistive technology alongside or instead of structural changes—for example, shower chairs, transfer benches, or sensor lighting.

How the NDIS Funds Home Modifications

The NDIS funds home modifications when they are considered reasonable and necessary and directly related to a person’s disability. To access funding, participants must go through a formal process that includes a professional assessment, written evidence, and detailed cost estimates.

Here’s how it typically works:

A qualified occupational therapist completes the home modifications assessment and prepares a written report
The report explains why the modifications are needed, how they relate to the participant’s functional limitations, and what risks are being addressed
For complex modifications, the OT includes concept drawings and works with a licensed builder to provide quotes and technical input
All documentation is submitted to the NDIS for review—either through the participant’s support coordinator, plan manager, or LAC

Modifications are funded under Capital Supports, usually in the participant’s Core – Home Modifications budget. Minor modifications may be approved more quickly. Complex modifications require a more detailed submission and may also need input from a building certifier or access consultant, depending on the scope.

At Zenzability, we work with participants to ensure all documentation is complete before anything is submitted. We also coordinate with builders during the planning stage to reduce delays and avoid missing information that could hold up funding.

No construction should begin until the NDIS has formally approved the works and confirmed the budget. Once approved, participants can choose a builder to complete the job based on the scope and pricing included in the submission.

What to Do After the Assessment

Once the home modifications assessment is complete, the next step is to prepare everything needed for NDIS approval. This part can take time, especially for complex changes, but getting it right upfront helps avoid delays later.

Here’s what usually happens next:

The occupational therapist completes a detailed report, outlining the participant’s functional needs, environmental risks, and recommended modifications
For complex works, the OT may work with a licensed builder to prepare concept drawings, a scope of works, and itemised quotes
The report, drawings, and quotes are submitted to the NDIS, either by the support coordinator, plan nominee, or through the participant directly
The NDIS reviews the submission, checks that it meets the reasonable and necessary criteria, and decides whether to fund the proposed changes

If the NDIS approves the funding, the participant (or their nominee) can confirm a builder and set a start date for the work. If the quote is higher than expected, or if the NDIS requests more information, the OT may need to revise the report or supply extra documentation.

Final Thoughts

A home modifications assessment is more than just a report—it’s a key step in creating a safer, more accessible space that supports independence and quality of life. For NDIS participants, it’s also the foundation for funding approval. When done properly, it gives everyone involved—participants, families, and support coordinators—confidence in the plan moving forward.

At Zenzability, we’re committed to keeping the process clear, practical, and built around real needs. Whether the change is small or complex, we work closely with you from start to finish. From the first conversation to builder coordination and NDIS submission, everything is handled with care.

If you think a home modification might help or want to understand what’s possible, get in touch with our team today!

We’re an NDIS provider based in Sydney, offering allied health services for both NDIS participants and private clients.