Common Mistakes in NDIS Home Modifications (and How to Avoid Them)

Safe and compliant access ramp designed for everyday use in an NDIS-funded home upgrade.

NDIS home modifications can transform daily life - improving independence, comfort, and long-term safety. But only when they’re done right.

Poor planning, unclear communication, or hiring the wrong builder can lead to delays, budget blowouts, or worse - work that doesn’t meet NDIS compliance. That means wasted funding, unsafe results, and serious setbacks for the person the work is meant to support.

Here are the most common mistakes we see in NDIS-funded home modification projects - and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1 - Not Engaging a Qualified Builder Early

One of the biggest issues we see is clients starting with drawings or quotes before speaking to a builder who actually understands NDIS requirements. That often leads to rework, design changes, or quotes that don’t meet the funding criteria.

How to avoid it: Involve a qualified NDIS-registered builder from the start. They can align accessibility needs with budget and construction limitations before you lock in a scope.

Work with a qualified builder like Kepal

Mistake 2 - Poor Communication Between OT and Builder

Occupational Therapists often lead the design recommendations - but if the builder isn’t part of that conversation, things get missed. We’ve seen jobs where wrong fixtures were installed, or spaces were unusable because access needs weren’t properly understood.

How to avoid it: Choose a builder who works comfortably with OTs. At Kepal, we regularly collaborate with OTs from Bendigo Health and other regional programs to make sure everyone’s aligned.

See our work with government and community clients

Mistake 3 - Underestimating Structural or Site Limitations

Not every house is easy to modify. Slab construction, tight layouts, plumbing placement, or older materials can complicate even basic upgrades - especially in regional or older homes.

How to avoid it: Get a proper site assessment early. For example, modifying a bathroom on a concrete slab often requires different waterproofing, drainage, and layout considerations than one on stumps. Kepal identifies structural limitations early and advises on practical solutions.

Mistake 4 - Ignoring Budget Brackets and Funding Limits

Overdesigning is common - high-spec fixtures, unnecessary extras, or scope creep can push projects outside of what NDIS funding allows. The result? Delays, disputes, or cancelled jobs.

How to avoid it: Work with a builder who understands NDIS cost brackets and how to work within them. Kepal helps clients make smart decisions, so modifications meet both functional needs and funding requirements.

Mistake 5 - Choosing a Builder Without NDIS or VBA Registration

This one’s critical. If your builder isn’t NDIS-registered or licensed by the VBA, you run the risk of non-compliant work - and potentially losing your funding altogether. You may also void insurance or have trouble passing audits.

How to avoid it: Always confirm your builder is:

• A registered NDIS provider

• VBA-licensed

• Familiar with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements

Kepal is NDIS-registered, VBA-accredited, and holds both ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certifications.

Mistake 6 - Skipping Post-Work Review and Maintenance

Too many projects are signed off without proper functionality testing. Rails come loose. Showers don’t drain properly. Power points are out of reach. These are small errors that have a big impact.

How to avoid it: Post-completion checks matter. Kepal conducts handover reviews to ensure everything’s safe, compliant, and ready to use.

A functional and compliant bathroom upgrade tailored to meet the accessibility needs of NDIS participants.

How Kepal Helps You Get It Right

Kepal is a registered NDIS builder with years of experience delivering compliant, functional, and respectful upgrades across regional Victoria. We’ve worked on everything from basic access upgrades to full bathroom remodels, always in collaboration with OTs, clients, and support teams.

If you’re planning NDIS home modifications, speak with our team for expert advice and a compliant, practical solution that suits your client’s needs and budget.