Types of ACC housing modifications

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.