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The New NDIS Market

The NDIS home modifications market offers strong opportunities for tradies looking to build a profitable side hustle. As more participants explore independence, demand has increased for skilled installers who can make homes safer and more accessible. 

That said, getting work approved and funded now involves a few extra steps. 

In this article, we break down what's changed in 2025; what's still funded, and the new pricing rules. You'll also learn how to grow your NDIS business and become a trusted installer. 

Key Takeaways

• NDIS home modifications that improve safety and independence are in demand
• The NDIS prioritises modifications that qualify as 'reasonable and necessary' supports 
• The NDIS funds non-slip coating installations under code: 05_221200111_0111_2_2 
• Getting NDIS work depends on clear documentation, value-for-money pricing, and credibility 

What's Changed in 2025? 

The NDIS has tightened some rules and clarified others, placing greater emphasis on value for money, outcomes, and ensuring support aligns with the participant's functional needs. 

NDIS planners now prioritise modifications that: 

• Reduce safety risks 
  
• Improve mobility 
  
• Support independence 
  
• Allow the participant to remain in their home 

For home modifications, this translates into two key shifts: 

• consistent funding for home modifications that improve safety and functionality 
  
• faster approval for providers who understand and follow the updated guidelines

These updates have created stronger opportunities for tradies specialising in bathroom upgrades, mobility solutions, and non-slip installations.  

Home Modification Services That Are Still Funded

NDIS-funded supports are still assessed against the 'reasonable and necessary' criteria to fall under either of these categories: 

1. Core Supports 

These are supports that allow participants to complete daily living activities. The budget is often really flexible for support in this category. 

2. Capital Supports

This category funds major investments such as assistive technology, vehicle or home modifications, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). 

3. Capacity Building Supports

Covers services that help participants build skills and increase independence. 

Home Modifications Jobs for 2025

Home modifications are changes to the home that improve safety and independence, including design and construction, installation of fixtures or fittings, and both structural and non-structural modifications. Most home modifications fall under the capital supports funding category. 

If you're a tradie looking to tap into the NDIS market, below are a few home modifications that consistently deliver steady, profitable work. 

1. Bathroom Modifications 

Bathrooms are high-risk areas where small changes can make a significant difference. Installers are in demand for upgrades like: 

• Grab rails and handrails 
  
• Accessible shower areas 
  
• Anti-slip coatings 
  
• Shower screens removed 
  
• Step-free access 

Some low-cost modifications like non-slip coatings and grab bars can be claimed as Assistive Technology. Anti-slip coatings, in particular, fall under home adaptations for participant access and safety (code: 05_221200111_0111_2_2). 

2. Access and Entry Solutions 

• Ramps 
  
• Threshold modifications 
  
• Pathway resurfacing 
  
• Non-slip surface treatment for outdoor steps and walkways 

3. Internal Mobility Upgrades 

• Door widening 
  
• Lever handle replacements 
• Flooring changes (vinyl, slip-resistant options) 
  
• Handrails in hallways or staircases 

4. Kitchen Adjustments (Minor) 

• Lowering benchtops 
  
• Reachability adjustments 
  
• Cupboard handle upgrades 

New Pricing Limits and Claim Rules

Here's what you need to know about pricing and making claims: 

Pricing Categories  

Pricing falls under three categories, and each has different quoting requirements: 

• Low-cost assistive technology: under $1,500 per item 
  
• Mid-cost assistive technology: between $1,500 and $15,000 per item 
  
• High-cost assistive technology: over $15,000 per item. 

Price Limits 

Some supports don't require a formal quote, but the NDIS has price limits for each category. These limits cover most (around 80%) of what the Australian market typically charges. 

If the participant needs assistive technology (AT) or a home modification that costs more than the price limit, they can agree to let you claim the extra amount using an AT Supplementary Charge code. 

Quoting Requirements 

Quotes are required where the NDIS Funding Code Guide specifically indicates so. Most low to mid-cost assistive technology, including anti-slip coatings and grab rails, do not require quotes, but participants may request quotes to compare options. 

For most higher-cost items over $15,000, providers must negotiate pricing with participants and submit written quotes. If your quote exceeds the funding threshold, the NDIA will conduct an additional review. 

How to Quote for NDIS Home Modifications

Minor Home Modifications (MHM) 

These are low-barrier jobs with faster approvals and less paperwork. They're typically under $20,000 and non-structural, including portable ramps, door widening, and flooring upgrades. 

How pricing works: 

• Claim actual costs using the NDIA's notional amount system ($1.00 per unit). 
  
• Provide a written quote directly to the participant for their approval, but no formal NDIA approval is needed.  
  
• Once the participant accepts your quote, get started on the job. 

Complex Home Modifications (CHM)  

CHMs are larger, structural projects that require full NDIA quote approval before work begins. They include major bathroom or kitchen renovations, ceiling hoists, and other modifications that require a building permit. 

How pricing works: 

• Submit a formal quote to the NDIA for approval before starting work. 
  
• Quotes must match the OT's report and include input from a Building Construction Practitioner. 
  
• Payments are made in stages: a deposit, progress payments, and final payment upon practical completion. 

How to Make Smooth NDIS Claims

NDIS planners now assess how modifications will improve a participant's daily living, home safety, mobility, community participation, and overall independence. 

To get NDIS work approved and paid on time, you'll need clear, targeted documentation.  

Documents for NDIS Home Modifications 

• OT report (required for specialist or complex mods) 
  
• Itemised quote (covering labour and materials) 
  
• Before and after photos 
  
• Evidence of workmanship 
  
• An invoice that matches the quote 
  
• Product specifications (important for non-slip installations) 
  
• Proof of compliance with building codes 
  
• Participant sign-off 

Highlight Reasonable and Necessary Supports

Under the NDIS Act, a support must be relevant to the participant's disability and offer value for money compared to alternatives. To get faster approvals, speak the NDIA's language of outcomes, safety, and value for money. 

When documenting your work, link the modification to: 

• Functional outcomes 
  
• Independence 
  
• Safety 
  
• Risk reduction 
  
• Value for money 

For example, instead of saying: 

"Installed anti-slip coating on the bathroom floor." 

Say: 

"Applied anti-slip coating to reduce fall risk, improving safe access to showering — aligns with participant goal to remain independent at home." 

This small shift shows the purpose and benefit of your work. 

How to Stand Out in the NDIS Market

1. Offer Value for Money 

NDIS planners are strict about fair pricing, durability, and functionality. Provide quotes that show: 

• Why materials were chosen 
  
• How the job solves a safety or mobility issue 
  
• Long-term cost advantages (e.g., no need to replace flooring, reduced slips) 

2. Build Strong Relationships 

Your biggest referral partners are OTs, plan managers, participants' families, and community networks. Be professional, punctual, and transparent to build credibility. 

3. Add Differentiators 

These seem small, but they'll earn you repeat recommendations: 

• Fast turnarounds 
  
• Clear documentation 
  
• Reliable communication 
  
• Premium products 
  
• NDIS familiarity

Further reading: How to Build a Profitable Business With Non-Slip Coatings 

FAQs

Q: What home modifications are funded by the NDIS? 

Answer:

Bathroom upgrades, ramps, non-slip flooring, access modifications, grab rails, door widening, and pathway improvements are all eligible for NDIS funding when recommended by an OT and deemed reasonable and necessary. 

Q: Do I need to be an NDIS-registered provider to do home modifications? 

Answer:

No. For plan-managed and self-managed participants, registration is not mandatory, and many tradies work without formal NDIS registration. However, you must still follow all NDIS compliance requirements. 

Q: Are non-slip coatings funded under the NDIS?

Answer:

Yes — when linked to fall prevention, mobility safety, or functional independence.  

Conclusion

The 2025 NDIS home modifications market continues to offer consistent and reliable work opportunities for tradies, especially in high-impact areas such as bathroom upgrades, access improvements, and slip-prevention treatments.  

With clearer rules around quoting, value-for-money requirements, and ongoing demand, now is an ideal time to establish your presence in the sector.