Episode #13
Why Home Mods Go Wrong: A Building Designer's Take
You can know the client, understand their function and write a detailed home modifications report… but what happens when the plan meets the realities hiding behind the walls? In Episode 13 of The OT Download , we hand the mic to the other side of the project and explore home modifications from a building designer’s perspective. The conversation unpacks what can happen between the initial assessment and the finished build. Structural walls, plumbing, waterproofing, drainage and the limitations of older homes can transform an apparently simple recommendation into a much larger project. When these considerations emerge too late, they can add cost, time and stress for the people living through the modification. What a building designer does and where their role fits alongside OTs, builders, engineers and other consultants Why apparently simple changes can uncover structural, plumbing and waterproofing complications How OTs can communicate functional requirements without predetermining the entire construction solution The difference between designing accessibility into a new build and modifying an existing home Why compliance standards are a starting point rather than a complete picture of an individual’s needs How to preserve the feeling of home while improving accessibility and function The value of joint site visits, trusted industry contacts and early collaboration Why supervision, CPD and asking questions matter in complex home modifications Our guest, Owen Kleidon is a building designer and project manager with experience across construction, architectural and engineering companies. He has operated his own business for 21 years and has worked across residential and commercial projects. His role can extend from early design and approvals through to finding a builder and remaining involved during construction. Owen Kleidon at StruXi Design, Toowoomba https://www.struxi.com.au/ Instagram: @struxi_ Have you encountered a home modification that became much more complicated once work began? Follow MLEA Occupational Therapy on Instagram @mleaoccupationaltherapy for episode clips, practical OT discussions and behind-the-scenes content from The OT Download . You can also follow our guest Owen @struxi_ to learn more about their building design work. Listen to The OT Download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. If you found this episode useful, hit follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next one. You can also share the episode with an OT, builder, designer or allied health professional working in the home modifications space. NDIS Home Modifications: Guidance for Builders and Designers, Version 2.0 , National Disability Insurance Agency, 2022. The guidance outlines typical roles and construction considerations across areas such as bathrooms and access modifications. AS 1428 , discussed in the episode as an important compliance reference that still needs to be considered alongside the needs of the individual and the realities of the property. The National Construction Code and Livable Housing provisions , discussed in relation to incorporating accessible features during new construction and creating greater flexibility for future modifications. In this episode, we cover:About the guestKeep the conversation goingListen to the episodeUseful resources
