Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers to the questions we hear most often.

Last updated May 2026. For the most current information on NDIS and aged care funding, contact us directly.

General

Do you provide free quotes?

Yes. We offer free fixed-price quotes across all service areas.

For larger custom projects such as decks and pergolas, quoting and drafting fees may apply - contact us to discuss.

How do I get started?

Just call us on 0490 030 366 or send an email to admin@harbourhomemods.com.au. We'll have a quick chat about what you need, arrange a site visit if required, and get you a written quote.

How long does it take to get a quote?

We aim to get back to all enquiries within one business day. For straightforward jobs, we can usually provide a written quote within 48 hours of the site visit.

Are your prices fixed?

Yes. We quote a fixed price before we start any work.

The price on your quote is the price on your invoice, unless the scope of work changes, any changes are agreed with you in writing before we proceed.

What areas do you service?

Albany and all suburbs within 15km, plus Denmark, Mt Barker, Porongurup and Kendenup.

Outer regional areas including Cranbrook, Kojonup and Walpole by arrangement. Contact us to discuss.

Do you charge for travel to Denmark or Mt Barker?

Jobs outside Albany are priced on a zone basis - the zone minimum covers travel and attendance. This is shown clearly on your quote. There are no separate travel line items.

Accessibility and Home Modifications

What kinds of accessibility modifications do you do?

We install grab rails, handrails and safety rails, access ramps, handrails to steps, doorway widening, door hardware (lever handles, closers, sliding conversions), fold-down and fixed shower seats, non-slip treatment, and bathroom safety modifications. We also improve outdoor access; ramps to decks, handrails to patios, and pathways around the home.

Do you work with occupational therapists?

Yes, and we'd encourage it. An OT assessment ensures that the modifications recommended are the right ones for your specific situation. For NDIS-funded work, an OT report is often required before we can get started. If you don't already have an OT, we can point you in the right direction.

Do your installations meet Australian Standards?

Yes. All our accessibility modifications are installed in accordance with Australian Standard AS1428.1 (Design for Access and Mobility) where applicable.

Can you widen a doorway without major structural work?

Often, yes. Many internal doorways are in non-load-bearing walls, which means widening them is straightforward and doesn't require a structural engineer. We'll assess your home during the site visit and let you know what's involved.

How do you attach grab rails to tiled walls?

We locate the wall studs behind the tiles and fix the rail into the studs where possible - that's the strongest and safest attachment. Where studs aren't in the right position, we use heavy-duty fixings rated for grab rail loads. We'll always tell you which method we're using and why.

What's the difference between a minor and complex NDIS modification?

Under NDIS guidelines, minor modifications are generally non-structural, lower risk, and cost less than $20,000. Complex modifications involve structural changes and require a higher level of documentation and certification. Most of our common modifications - grab rails, ramps, doorway widening - fall into the minor category. No builder quote is required by the NDIA for minor modifications in Albany (MMM3 region).

Do I need council approval for a ramp?

For small, non-structural ramps to a single step, council approval is generally not required. For larger or more permanent structures, it may be. We'll advise you during the quoting process and flag anything that requires approval.

NDIS and Aged Care Funding

Can NDIS fund my home modifications?

Yes, if home modifications are included in your NDIS plan as a reasonable and necessary support. Modifications must relate to your disability and support your goals. We provide detailed, itemised quotes in the format required for NDIS funding approval. Approvals for minor modifications (under $20,000) have become faster recently - the previous requirement to provide a builder quote has been removed.

Are you a registered NDIS provider?

We are not currently a registered NDIS provider. We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. If your funding is agency-managed, you will need to check with your support coordinator whether an unregistered provider can carry out your modifications.

Can aged care funding cover my modifications?

Yes. Under the Support at Home program, home modifications are funded through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme - a dedicated stream completely separate from your daily care budget for cleaning, meals, and personal care. Funding tiers are Low (up to $500), Medium (up to $2,000), and High (up to $15,000). Speak to your care co-ordinator about your assessed tier. We provide the quotes and completion documentation they need.

What paperwork do you provide for NDIS or aged care jobs?

We provide a detailed, itemised fixed-price quote with each modification listed separately - in the format required for NDIS and AT-HM Scheme approvals. On completion, we provide photos and a tax invoice. For plan-managed NDIS clients, we invoice the plan manager directly.

How long does NDIS approval take?

This varies depending on your plan type and the complexity of the modification. Minor modifications are generally faster to approve than complex ones. Your support coordinator or plan manager will be able to give you a realistic timeframe. Once approval is confirmed, we can usually schedule the work within a few weeks.

What is the Support at Home program?

The Support at Home program replaced the Home Care Packages program on 1 November 2025. If you previously had a Home Care Package, you are now on Support at Home. The key change for home modifications is that modification funding is now quarantined in a separate scheme (the AT-HM Scheme) - it no longer has to compete with your other care costs for the same budget. This is genuinely good news for clients who need modifications.

Decking and Outdoor Living

What size deck can you build?

We build decks of all sizes - from a small landing off the back door to large entertaining areas with pergolas, steps and built-in seating. We'll design the deck to suit your home, your yard, and how you want to use the space.

What timber do you use for decking?

We recommend composite decking for most Albany homes. The coastal conditions here are hard on timber - composite holds up better, requires no oiling or sealing, and looks good long term.

For clients who prefer a natural timber look, hardwood is our next recommendation. We'll talk through the options during your quote.

Do I need council approval?

It depends on the size and height of the structure. Most small ground-level decks don't require approval, but larger or elevated decks and pergolas often do. We'll advise you during the quoting process on what applies to your specific job.

For general guidance, the City of Albany's planning pages are a good starting point.

How long does it take to build a deck?

A standard deck typically takes three to five days on site, depending on size and complexity. We'll give you a realistic timeline as part of your quote.

Can you build a pergola or shade structure at the same time?

Yes. We often combine decking with a pergola or patio roof. Getting it all done at once saves time and usually works out better value than doing it in stages.

Payments and Administration

When do I pay?

For smaller jobs, payment is due on completion. For larger jobs, we ask for a deposit before we start and the balance on completion. Payment terms are set out clearly in your quote.

What payment methods do you accept?

Bank transfer (EFT) is our preferred method. Account details are on your invoice.

Are you insured?

Yes. We hold current public liability insurance for $20,000,000. We're happy to provide a certificate of currency on request.

What if something isn't right after the job?

No problem, just contact us. We stand by our work and want our clients to be happy with the finished result. HHM includes a 12-month workmanship warranty on our installations, and we’ll always do our best to address any genuine workmanship issues quickly and fairly.