Table of standard home modifications

Types of standard modifications we can make to your home and whether you need to provide supporting information when requesting them.

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Inside the home

Select a location to see the standard modifications we can make

Entry Hall

Type of home modification:

Install or replace wireless doorbell and button (no intercom)

  • Supporting information needed: no
Internal Stairs

Type of home modification:

Slip resistant tread covering or strips

  • Supporting information needed: no

Modify or install slip-resistant or colour contrasting stair tread nosings

Note: we may request additional information when modification or installation of slip resistant or colour contrasting stair tread nosing is requested for a 2 storey house or townhouse

  • Supporting information needed: no
Doors and doorways

Type of home modification:

Replace, remove, rehang, or reswing doors

  • Supporting information needed: no

Changes to door hardware, including door closers

  • Supporting information needed: no
Floors

Type of home modification:

Install wedges or fillets to accommodate changes in levels

  • Supporting information needed: no

Cover strip to smooth edges of floor covering

  • Supporting information needed: no

Remove protruding floor angles or cover strips

  • Supporting information needed: no

Replace floor coverings

Note: Homes NSW reserves the right to retain carpet that is up to 5 years old (depending on the function of the floor covering), is in good condition, and is not impeding mobility

  • Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)
Walls

Type of home modification:

Door frames and/or doors repainted in contrasting colours (Vision Impairment)

  • Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: OT/Vision Australia)
Electrical works and temperature control

Type of home modification:

Intercoms (houses, townhouses, villas and terrace houses only)

  • Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)

Install rocker switches

  • Supporting information needed: no

Reposition power points (height)

  • Supporting information needed: no

Install dimmer switches

  • Supporting information needed: no

Link bedroom strobe/vibration system to smoke alarm (for people with hearing/vision impairment)

  • Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)

Increase lighting levels/task lighting to one room

Note: if a re-lighting plan to a dwelling is required then a report from an occupational therapist/vision specialist is required (eg: Vision Australia)

  • Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)

Install 2-way switch near bedhead

  • Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)

Install heating/cooling (eg air conditioner - depending on property suitability)

  • Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)
Plumbing Items

Install quarter turn taps

  • Supporting information needed: no

Install lever tap handles

  • Supporting information needed: no

Install flickmixer tapware

  • Supporting information needed: no

Install flexible hand held shower hose and slider bar (no local wall reinforcement required)

  • Supporting information needed: no

Replace toilet cistern with new controls

  • Supporting information needed: no

Replace or relocate existing laundry tub for improved mobility access

  • Supporting information needed: no
Kitchen

Cupboard modifications - remove doors

  • Supporting information needed: no

Install pressure catches to door fronts

  • Supporting information needed: no
Bathroom

Install security lock to cabinet

  • Supporting information needed: no

Reposition towel rails, toilet paper holders, or mirrors

  • Supporting information needed: no

Outside the home

Select a location to see the standard modifications we can make.

Note: approval for modifications in common areas of unit complexes may be subject to compliance with fire safety, Council and accessibility requirements

Front gates

Install wider gate (non-structural) and associated changes to fence and paving (where required)

Supporting information needed: no

Front fencing

Install childproof locks at fence gates

Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT/NDIS plan or support service)

Child safety fencing (risk of wandering away from home)

Note: Subject to Council approval where required

Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT/NDIS plan or support service)

Reswing, replace or change gate hinges

Supporting information needed: no

Reposition or replace latch or lock handle

Supporting information needed: no

Letterbox

Key lock modification (not key replacement)

Supporting information needed: no

Letterbox position/access adjustments

Supporting information needed: no

Walkways, ramps and steps

Coat a path or ramp with slip resistant finish (under 10m2)

Supporting information needed: no

High contrast paint at edges of steps, ramps and paths

Supporting information needed: no

Replace up to 4 steps (new configuration)

Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)

Make/widen an access pathway (gradient less than 1:20)

  • under 9 metres in length
  • does not relate to ramps

Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)

Install Platform ramp or Portable ramp

Supporting information needed: Occupational Therapist

Common area stairs

Modify or install slip resistant/colour contrasting tread nosings or strips

Supporting information needed: no

External Lighting, signage, security and safety

Increase light levels/add additional lights (max. 1 per external door)

Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)

Reposition switch internal/replace with rocker switches

Supporting information needed: no

Parking and External covered areas

Auto opening garage door

Note: Subject to having an allocated and authorised enclosed parking space

Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)

Install auto opening gate/driveway gate

Supporting information needed: Occupational Therapist

Entry Porch/Verandah

Reswing door or make changes to hinges

Note: Only considered for free-standing properties (houses, townhouses, villas and terrace houses only) not units

Supporting information needed: Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT)

Wedge ramp a maximum of 35mm

Supporting information needed: no

Apply contrast markers to glazed doors

Supporting information needed: no

Install grip rail near front door

Supporting information needed: no

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