Table of Standard Modifications
Standard Modifications are low-cost modifications that improve accessibility in or around a property. Homes NSW provides Standard Modifications as part of our public housing service.
When requesting Major Modifications, the inclusion of Standard Modifications can also be requested if they are needed straight away to make the property safe. The Standard Modifications must be outlined in the occupational therapist report for Home Modifications (Disability) with the Standard Modifications needed straight away highlighted in the accompanying Occupational Therapist Summary Report.
Location | Type of Home Modification | Supporting information needed |
|---|---|---|
Inside the Home |
| |
Entry Hall | Install or replace wireless doorbell and button (no intercom) | No |
Internal Stairs | Slip resistant tread covering or strips | 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 | No | |
Doors and doorways | Replace, remove, rehang, or reswing doors | No |
Changes to door hardware, including door closers | No | |
Floors | Install wedges or fillets to accommodate changes in levels | No |
Cover strip to smooth edges of floor covering | No | |
Remove protruding floor angles or cover strips | No | |
Replace floor coverings Note: LAHC 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 | Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT) | |
Walls | Door frames and/or doors repainted in contrasting colours (Vision Impairment) | Letter from health professional (eg: OT/ Vision Australia) |
Electrical works and temperature control | Intercoms (houses, townhouses, villas and terrace houses only) | Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT) |
Install rocker switches | No | |
Reposition power points (height) | No | |
Install dimmer switches | No | |
Link bedroom strobe/vibration system to smoke alarm (for people with hearing/vision impairment) | 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) | Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT) | |
Install 2-way switch near bedhead | Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT) | |
Plumbing Items | Install quarter turn taps | No |
Install lever tap handles | No | |
Install flickmixer tapware | No | |
Install flexible hand held shower hose and slider bar (no local wall reinforcement required) | No | |
Replace toilet cistern with new controls | No | |
Replace or relocate existing laundry tub for improved mobility access | No | |
Kitchen | Cupboard modifications - remove doors | No |
Install pressure catches to door fronts | No | |
Bathroom | Install security lock to cabinet | No |
Reposition towel rails, toilet paper holders, or mirrors | No | |
Outside the Home | Note: approval for modifications in common areas of unit complexes may be subject to compliance with fire safety, Council and accessibility requirements |
|
Front Gates Front Fencing | Install wider gate (non-structural) and associated changes to fence and paving (where required) | No |
Install childproof locks at fence gates | 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 | Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT/NDIS plan or support service) | |
Reswing, replace or change gate hinges | No | |
Reposition or replace latch or lock handle | No | |
Letterbox | Key lock modification (not key replacement) | No |
Letterbox position/access adjustments | No | |
Walkways, ramps and steps | Coat a path or ramp with slip resistant finish (under 10m2) | No |
High contrast paint at edges of steps, ramps and paths | No | |
Replace up to 4 steps (new configuration) | Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT) | |
Make/widen an access pathway (gradient less than 1:20)
| Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT) | |
Install Platform ramp or Portable ramp | Occupational Therapist | |
Common area stairs | Modify or install slip resistant/colour contrasting tread nosings or strips | No |
External Lighting, signage, security and safety | Increase light levels/add additional lights (max. 1 per external door) | Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT) |
Reposition switch internal/replace with rocker switches | No | |
Parking and External covered areas | Auto opening garage door Note: Subject to having an allocated and authorised enclosed parking space | Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT) |
Install auto opening gate/driveway gate | 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 | Letter from health professional (eg: GP/OT) |
Wedge ramp a maximum of 35mm | No | |
Apply contrast markers to glazed doors | No | |
Install grip rail near front door | No |