You, your Support Coordinator, or your other supports have identified that modifications to the structure, layout or fittings of your home are required to enable safe access and movement around areas of frequent use. NDIA have published “Operational Guidelines” to help you identify what they may fund and what evidence may be required. You can find those guidelines here : https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/operational-guidelines/including-specific-types-supports-plans-operational-guideline/including-specific-types-support-plans-operational-guideline-home-modifications.
Home Modifications (HM) may be included in your plan if a suitably qualified Occupational Therapist has performed an assessment and recommended them, while considering all possible alternatives, including the use of equipment.
Not all Home Modifications may be considered as Complex by the NDIA. There are three broad categories of NDIS Home Modifications: Simple, Minor and Complex. Complex modifications involve structural changes, they are generally higher cost and higher risk. They may involve work on a combination of different areas within the home in the same project.
For home modifications exceeding $15,000, two quotes may be required. The quote, along with the specification that the builder provides, needs to be formatted in a certain way and requires inclusions and exclusions to be clearly expressed. Look for the builder experienced in delivering Complex Home Modifications Quotes and registered as providers with NDIS.
Where HM works will cost over $30,000, you will need to engage an NDIS Registered Building Works Project Manager (BWPM) for Complex Home Modifications (CHM) construction. This is in addition to the builder engaging in providing the quote and works. Check with your builder if they provide both services, or know someone who does, if it seems likely that the quote may exceed $30,000.
The BWPM will work with you on the design and appointment of builders, and they may engage suppliers in consultation with you.
They will usually:
· Conduct pre-tender negotiations with the preferred builder/s;
· Engage the preferred builder;
· Engage suitable design consultants and engineers (where required);
· Manage building permit applications (where required);
· Administer building contracts; and
· Establish a project budget and program.
Once a builder has been appointed, permits are approved and a Building Works Contract has been administered, on-site works may begin.
Complex Home Modifications process from assessment to completion can be time consuming and stressful. Scope of work varies, so check with you preferred supplier to clarify what they cover.
Flexiwell Group can support you by facilitating Home Modifications Assessments and Reports by an Occupational Therapist. In some cases, we may be able to assist you with a Complex Home Modifications assessment. Please contact us to discuss your needs first on [email protected].