# Home Modification Planning Checklist
## Getting Started
Use this comprehensive checklist to plan your home modifications from initial assessment through completion. Check off items as you complete them and make notes for your specific situation.
## Phase 1: Initial Planning
### Understanding Your Needs
[ ] List daily activities that are currently difficult[ ] Identify specific rooms or areas causing challenges[ ] Note any falls or close calls in the past 6 months[ ] Consider future needs (progressive conditions)[ ] Discuss needs with family members and carers[ ] Review current mobility aids and equipment[ ] Photograph problem areas in your home### Property Assessment
[ ] Confirm property ownership or rental status[ ] If renting: obtain landlord contact information[ ] Review lease agreement for modification clauses[ ] Check if property is heritage-listed[ ] Identify property boundaries and setbacks[ ] Note location of utilities (water, gas, electrical)[ ] Measure doorways, hallways, and rooms[ ] Document current home condition with photos### Financial Planning
[ ] Check NDIS plan for home modification budget[ ] Review plan end date and funding period[ ] Explore other funding sources (My Aged Care, DVA, etc.)[ ] Set realistic budget including contingency (10-15%)[ ] Confirm available funds vs estimated costs[ ] Consider staged approach if budget limited[ ] Plan for self-contribution if upgrading finishes## Phase 2: Professional Assessment
### Finding an Occupational Therapist
[ ] Search NDIS provider directory[ ] Verify OT registration and qualifications[ ] Check experience with home modifications[ ] Read reviews or ask for references[ ] Confirm fees and payment process[ ] Book assessment appointment[ ] Confirm OT report writing is included### Preparing for OT Visit
[ ] Complete pre-assessment questionnaire (if provided)[ ] Prepare list of daily challenges[ ] Gather medical reports and assessments[ ] Have mobility aids available for testing[ ] Clear access to all areas to be assessed[ ] Have family/carers present if helpful[ ] Prepare questions for the OT### During the Assessment
[ ] Demonstrate typical daily activities[ ] Show all areas of concern[ ] Discuss your goals for independence[ ] Mention any safety incidents[ ] Ask about different solution options[ ] Discuss timeline expectations[ ] Clarify what will be in the report[ ] Confirm follow-up process### After the Assessment
[ ] Review draft OT report[ ] Check all details are accurate[ ] Ensure recommendations match your needs[ ] Request any necessary additions[ ] Obtain final signed report[ ] Keep copy for your records## Phase 3: Obtaining Quotes
### Finding Providers
[ ] Search for NDIS registered builders/contractors[ ] Verify registration status[ ] Check licenses and insurance[ ] Read online reviews[ ] Ask OT for recommendations[ ] Contact 2-3 providers for quotes[ ] Schedule site visits with each### Site Visits with Builders
[ ] Provide copy of OT report[ ] Walk through proposed modifications[ ] Discuss timeline expectations[ ] Ask about their experience with similar projects[ ] Request detailed written quote[ ] Clarify what is/isn't included[ ] Ask about payment schedule[ ] Request references from past clients### Reviewing Quotes
[ ] Ensure quotes address all OT recommendations[ ] Compare scope of works across quotes[ ] Check all quotes are itemized[ ] Verify materials and products specified[ ] Compare timelines[ ] Check warranty terms[ ] Confirm insurance coverage[ ] Contact references[ ] Select preferred provider## Phase 4: Funding Application
### NDIS Application
[ ] Gather all required documents (OT report, quotes, photos)[ ] Complete NDIS request form[ ] If rental: obtain landlord written consent[ ] Include property ownership/lease documents[ ] Submit through myplace portal or plan manager[ ] Keep copies of all submitted documents[ ] Note submission date and reference number[ ] Check for confirmation of receipt### Follow-Up
[ ] Monitor email for NDIS communication[ ] Respond promptly to requests for information[ ] Provide additional documentation if requested[ ] Chase up if no response after 3 weeks[ ] Once approved: review approval letter carefully[ ] Confirm approved amount matches expectations[ ] Check any conditions or requirements[ ] Notify selected provider of approval### If Not Approved
[ ] Request detailed reasons for decision[ ] Discuss with OT if resubmission appropriate[ ] Gather additional supporting evidence[ ] Consider internal review process[ ] Seek advocacy support if needed[ ] Explore alternative solutions## Phase 5: Pre-Construction
### Permits and Approvals
[ ] Check if building permit required[ ] Submit permit application (builder usually does this)[ ] Pay permit fees[ ] Wait for permit approval[ ] Receive permit and display notice[ ] Check if neighbor notification required[ ] Inform body corporate (if applicable)### Preparing Your Home
[ ] Plan where you'll stay during construction[ ] Arrange temporary accommodation if needed[ ] Clear work areas of furniture and belongings[ ] Protect remaining items with drop sheets[ ] Create clear access path for workers and materials[ ] Arrange alternative entry if main door blocked[ ] Inform neighbors of upcoming work[ ] Arrange pet care during work hours### Final Pre-Construction
[ ] Review and sign contract with builder[ ] Confirm start date[ ] Confirm completion date[ ] Review payment schedule[ ] Exchange contact information[ ] Clarify working hours[ ] Discuss site safety procedures[ ] Confirm communication process during works## Phase 6: During Construction
### Week 1
[ ] Confirm workers have site access[ ] Take "before" photos[ ] Review work schedule[ ] Establish communication routine[ ] Note any immediate concerns### Weekly Checks
[ ] Regular progress inspections[ ] Photograph work in progress[ ] Address any concerns promptly[ ] Verify work matches quote/plans[ ] Check quality of workmanship[ ] Confirm timeline is on track[ ] Process progress payments as agreed### Problem Management
[ ] Document any issues in writing[ ] Discuss concerns with site supervisor[ ] Request solutions or explanations[ ] Keep record of all conversations[ ] Escalate to company management if needed[ ] Consider independent assessment if serious issues## Phase 7: Completion and Sign-Off
### Final Inspection
[ ] Walk through with builder[ ] Check all items on quote are completed[ ] Test all features (doors, rails, lights, etc.)[ ] Verify finishes meet standards[ ] Check for damage to other areas[ ] Ensure site is clean and debris removed[ ] Create punch list of any outstanding items### Quality Verification
[ ] Arrange OT final inspection[ ] Verify modifications meet Australian Standards[ ] Confirm features are appropriate and functional[ ] Request any necessary adjustments[ ] Building inspector final inspection (if required)[ ] Obtain completion certificate### Documentation
[ ] Receive final invoice[ ] Verify invoice matches quote[ ] Obtain warranties for all work and products[ ] Receive maintenance instructions[ ] Get builder emergency contact details[ ] Obtain product specifications and manuals[ ] Take "after" photos[ ] Make final payment[ ] Request tax invoice for records### NDIS Final Reporting
[ ] Submit final invoice to NDIS[ ] Provide completion photos[ ] Submit OT sign-off (if required)[ ] Submit building certificates[ ] Confirm payment processed to provider[ ] Update NDIS plan manager on completion[ ] File all documents for future reference## Phase 8: Post-Completion
### First Week
[ ] Use all new features[ ] Note any adjustments needed[ ] Contact builder for minor fixes[ ] Begin learning smart features (if installed)[ ] Adjust to new spaces and heights[ ] Have family/carers practice if relevant### First Month
[ ] Monitor for any defects or issues[ ] Report problems under warranty[ ] Begin regular maintenance routine[ ] Organize any follow-up OT training[ ] Update emergency plans (if needed)[ ] Share feedback with OT and NDIS (if requested)### Ongoing Maintenance
[ ] Create maintenance schedule[ ] Keep warranty documents accessible[ ] Note any seasonal maintenance needs[ ] Schedule annual safety checks (hoists, lifts)[ ] Keep builder contact details handy[ ] Budget for ongoing maintenance[ ] Monitor for changing needs over time## Important Contacts
Record your key contacts here:
Occupational Therapist:
Name: _________________Phone: _________________Email: _________________Builder/Contractor:
Company: _________________Contact: _________________Phone: _________________Email: _________________Emergency: _________________NDIS Contact:
LAC/Support Coordinator: _________________Phone: _________________Email: _________________Plan Manager:
Company: _________________Contact: _________________Phone: _________________Emergency Contact:
Name: _________________Relationship: _________________Phone: _________________## Timeline Tracking
Record key dates:
OT Assessment: ___/___/___Report Received: ___/___/___Quotes Obtained: ___/___/___NDIS Submitted: ___/___/___NDIS Approved: ___/___/___Construction Start: ___/___/___Construction Complete: ___/___/___Final Sign-Off: ___/___/___## Budget Tracking
Financial Summary:
OT Assessment Cost: $_________Approved NDIS Funding: $_________Final Project Cost: $_________Self-Contribution: $_________Permit Fees: $_________Other Costs: $_________**Total Spent: $_________**## Notes and Observations
Use this space to record important information, decisions made, or things to remember:
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## Download and Print
This checklist is designed to be downloaded and printed. Keep it in a folder with all your home modification documents for easy reference throughout the process.
Pro Tips:
Check items off as you complete themMake notes on the checklist itselfKeep everything in one folderTake photos at every stageSave all emails and correspondenceDon't skip steps - they're all importantAsk questions if anything is unclearRemember: this is your home and your project
