DFG or council-funded work
If public funding is involved, confirm approval before starting and understand how the approved scope, variations, invoices and completion checks are handled.
Planning & Support
Before home adaptation work starts checklist
Build a tailored checklist for the adaptation you are arranging, including funding, permissions, contractor preparation and specialist checks that may be easy to miss before work begins.
Step 1 of 4
Location
Where is the home being adapted?
Funding, planning and building-control routes differ across the UK, so this keeps the checklist appropriately cautious.
Before building work begins
What should I check before home adaptation work starts?
Before a contractor starts an accessible bathroom, wet room, ramp, stairlift, through-floor lift, adapted kitchen, doorway alteration or other disability-related home improvement, make sure the written scope, price, permissions, funding approval, specialist work and handover responsibilities are clear.
A useful pre-start check goes beyond choosing a contractor. It should consider whether planning or building-control approval is needed, whether grant-funded work has formal approval, who is responsible for electrical or gas work, how essential facilities will remain usable during disruption, and what servicing or emergency arrangements apply to powered equipment.
Building and specialist work
Structural alterations, bathrooms, electrics, gas work, lifts and external access can each introduce different technical, certification or maintenance questions.
Keep the adaptation usable during the work
Plan around the person who relies on the home, including temporary toilet, washing, cooking, access, transfer or charging arrangements where essential facilities will be unavailable.