Using an independent accessible bathroom consultant can make the whole process easier and a lot less stressful. Knowing you have an experienced person on your side, who has been involved in many hundreds of accessible / disabled bathroom designs can only be a advantage – making you aware of what to expect and reducing any risk ellements that may emerge.
Accessible Bathroom Consultants are a unique company and are probably the first of its kind to offer independent “advice only” on accessible / disabled bathrooms.
We differ from the many bathroom installation companies, because we are not trying to sell you a wet room, walk in shower or specialist bathroom. As part of our service we offer independent and unbiased advice on a wide range of equipment to help you make the right decisions.
You don’t normally need building regulations for adapting or converting an existing bathroom into an accessible bathroom, however if more major type works are being carried out like supporting walls being taken out, small extensions etc. then it is advisable to contact your local council for advice.
If you have any electrical work carried out such as a new electric shower, extractor, lights etc. this should be carried out by a certified electrician who can provide a certificate on completion of his work.
A realistic budget needs to set in line with your expectations for your new bathroom project. As part of the service, we can help you with this.
Over the 30 years I have worked in the industry, I have worked with numerous Occupational Therapists, Case Managers and Technical Officers, working off their schedules and recommendations.
Although I have designed many hundreds of accessible / disabled bathrooms for private households, the largest project would have been the Changing Places toilet facility and disabled toilets at Event City, which included height adjustable changing table, washer dryer toilet system, height adjustable was hand basin and hoisting system and Doc M packages.
An assessment is required to ensure the proposed adaptations meet your specific needs and that your home is suitable for modification. Your local council can arrange for an Occupational Therapist to visit your home. Alternatively, you can hire a Trusted Assessor or private Occupational Therapist to carry out an independent assessment.
Once the assessment is complete, you’ll need to submit a DFG application form along with proof of home ownership or written consent from the property owner (if you rent). The local authority must provide a written decision within six months of receiving your application.
Yes, private, or independent assessments are often faster than waiting for a council-arranged assessment through social services. This can help speed up the DFG process, however, there usually is a charge / fee for private or independent assessments and these fees can only be reclaimed if your DFG application is approved.
Yes, but only if your DFG application is approved. If you choose to use a private Occupational Therapist or Trusted Assessor, you can reclaim the assessment fees as part of the grant.
The non-agency route allows you to manage the adaptation process independently. Instead of using the council’s services, you can appoint your own professionals—such as a consultant, surveyor, or builder—to carry out the work.
You will be responsible for ensuring that the work meets all grant conditions and for submitting the required documentation to the local authority. This route gives you greater flexibility and choice but requires more personal involvement.
In most cases, Disabled Facilities Grants are non-repayable, provided you certify your intention to live in the adapted property for at least five years.
However, for grants over £5,000, some councils may place a local land charge on the property. This means you may need to repay part of the grant if you sell the property within 10 years. The repayment amount is typically capped at £10,000.
Yes. Approved adaptation works must be completed within 12 months of the grant approval date, including non-agency projects.
In exceptional circumstances, the local authority may agree to extend the completion deadline.
No. The grant will not cover work that has already begun before the council approves your application. Make sure your grant is approved before starting any adaptations.
Yes. If you choose the non-agency route or are self-funding part of the work, you can appoint a builder of your choice.
If you opt for the council’s services, they will typically use local contractors from their approved contractors list.
Most councils use standard materials and products for adaptations. However, you may be able to choose some elements, such as wall tiles or finishes, depending on the scope of the work.
The non-agency route gives you more freedom to choose materials and customise the work according to your preferences.
If you disagree with an Occupational Therapist’s recommendation, you can seek a second opinion by hiring a Trusted Assessor or independent Occupational Therapist. However, this will incur a cost and may not necessarily change the council’s decision.
Alternatively, you can challenge the decision through the council’s appeals or complaints process. It’s a good idea to gather supporting evidence to strengthen your case.
Get in touch for an informal chat to see how we can assist you in planning your ideal accessible bathroom.
