Accessibility Upgrade for a Safer and More Independent Home

Project Overview

The project at Belsize Ave focused on making the home safer and more accessible for a homeowner living with a progressive disability. The goal was to improve the bathroom layout, make everyday movements easier, and upgrade the outdoor access.

A previous client referred the homeowner, and the family sought practical and well-designed changes before undertaking larger future modifications. The main jobs included repairing the rear deck, removing two old water tanks, modifying the bathroom for better accessibility, and building a new ramp at the back of the house.

The Refresh Renovations team handled everything from design to construction, completing the renovation in two months, with the deck and bathroom work happening simultaneously.

Design & Planning

The primary purpose of the renovation was to make the home easier and safer to use daily. The bathroom needed to be redesigned so the homeowner could move comfortably and independently. Safety, space, and accessibility were the main priorities.

The team designed a bathroom layout that was simple, spacious, and user-friendly. It included clear pathways, accessible fixtures, and a layout that would remain practical even as future needs changed.

Along with the bathroom upgrade, the homeowner also needed a strong and safe ramp leading out to the backyard. The ramp would help them move outside with confidence and give them more freedom to enjoy the outdoor area.

Planning also included repairing the 50m² rear deck, removing two water tanks, and completing several smaller home improvement tasks.

Because several Occupational Therapists (OTs) were involved in the project, decisions were sometimes slow to be made. Each OT had different recommendations. The Refresh team helped by clearly explaining layout options and guiding everyone toward the best solutions.

Construction & Process

Refresh Renovations managed all of the building work. The project involved multiple trades working together to ensure everything was completed safely and correctly.

Trades involved included:

• Carpenter
• Tiler
• Plumber
• Electrician
• Plasterer
• Demolition team
• Painter
• Carpet layer
• Glazier

No council consent was needed because the work did not require structural approvals.

Bathroom Modifications

The bathroom was redesigned and rebuilt to make it easier for the homeowner to use. The updated layout improved safety and movement. While the bathroom has a simple and slightly clinical look, it is convenient and designed to support changing needs in the future.

The new bathroom includes spaces that are easy to access, safe to stand or sit in, and simple to clean. Even though the primary purpose was function, the final design still feels neat, tidy, and organised.

Outdoor Ramp

A strong ramp was built at the back of the house. This ramp gives the homeowner safe and independent access from the back door to the yard. It makes moving between indoor and outdoor spaces easier and removes the worry of steps or uneven surfaces.

Deck Repairs & Extra Work

The rear deck (50 m²) was repaired to ensure it was safe and stable. Two old water tanks were removed as part of the update. These improvements helped clean up the outdoor area and made it safer for daily use.

Challenges

The main challenge in this project was working with three different Occupational Therapists, each at a different time, each providing advice and instructions tailored to the homeowner’s needs. With multiple professionals involved, decisions about the bathroom layout or ramp could become confusing.

To overcome this, the Refresh team explained each option clearly and helped guide everyone toward the right decisions. This made the process smoother and ensured the homeowner received the best outcome.

Apart from this, the project progressed without unusual delays or construction issues.

Final Result

The finished renovation has made the home far more practical and safe. The new bathroom is open, accessible, and functional. Even though the design is simple, it suits the homeowner’s needs perfectly and offers flexibility for future health changes.

The repaired deck and new outdoor ramp give the homeowner confidence to move around the property more freely. Everyday tasks are now easier and safer, and the home feels more supportive and comfortable.

Customer Story

The homeowner required modifications to the bathroom and access areas to facilitate daily movement and enhance safety. With a progressive disability, simple tasks like using the bathroom or stepping outside had become challenging. The family wanted the home modified early so that things would remain manageable in the future.

They had no previous bad renovation experiences, and the home was only around 10 years old. They simply wanted reliable assistance in creating a functional and long-lasting setup.

Since this was an NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) project, the budget was allocated from a home-modification package managed by an Occupational Therapist. The homeowners wanted to make sure the bathroom felt right for them and was finished to a quality level they could trust.

Conclusion

This Carnegie home now offers safer, more comfortable living thanks to thoughtful bathroom modifications, a well-built access ramp, and improved outdoor areas. The Refresh team delivered a functional renovation that supports independence while maintaining a tidy and welcoming home.