Enable New Zealand manages four types of housing modifications for ACC.
Grab rail installations (48 hours urgent, 5 days non-urgent).
Minor modifications ― changes that don’t need building consent.
Standard modifications ― changes that need building consent.
Complex modifications ― changes that need building consent and extend the footprint of the house.
A housing assessor for ACC (independent occupational therapist) identifies what type of modifications are needed.
Grab rails
Installation of internal/external grab rails (standard ‘off-the-shelf’ lengths).
Commonly installed in the bath, shower, toilet, and back and front doors.
Note: A housing assessment is not required for grab rail installations. An ACC case owner or health professional can request this service.
Minor modifications
Modifications that do not require building consent include:
custom-made internal and external handrails
minor ramps less than 1m high
decks/landings less than 1m high
easy steps less than 1m high
low rise lifts
stair lifts (chair)
door widening
fencing/gates
hand-held showers.
Standard modifications
Modifications that require building consent include:
ramps exceeding 1m high and/or requiring multiple changes in direction
decks/landings in excess of 1m high
bathroom modifications including wet area showers
stair lifts (platform)
covered transfer areas
fencing/gates (building consent required)
kitchen/laundry modifications.
Complex modifications
Complex modifications need building consent and may extend the footprint of the house. They include:
extra bedrooms
ensuite bathrooms
extension of existing living spaces
through-floor lifts
new builds.