Dear Builder/Tradesperson,
SWEP has been advised that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) free home inspection service undertaken by Architects through the Home Renovation Service will cease as of 30 June 2016. Archicentre has provided this service by supplying working drawings and scope of works for home modification >$1000 and completing final inspections of work for Clients that are frail aged or have a disability. As a result of the DHHS change, we are reviewing how we administer funding for home modifications >$1000.
SWEP will implement a new model that incorporates Architects, Builders, Draftspersons, Building Surveyors and Building Inspectors to provide a quality assurance process for Clients that receive funding from SWEP. We have leveraged off the regulatory bodies advice in redesigning our home modification model.
The New Model
Within this model, the Builder/tradesperson are only engaged when SWEP funding is imminent. This eliminates Builders/tradespeople having to provide an initial quote followed up with a second quote just prior to the commencement of works. The new model will have different processes for either structural or non-structural home modifications as follows:
Non-Structural Home Modifications
- The Builder/tradesperson submits to the Prescriber the final diagram(s) and scope of works of the home modifications >$1000. The Prescriber will then submit these documents to SWEP once they are satisfied that they meet the functional needs of the Client. These diagrams must comply with the SWEP Standards for Home Modifications which are currently being finalised.
- While engagement of a Building Surveyor/Building Inspector is not mandatory for non-structural home modifications, we will strongly encourage home owners to consider engagement for the more expensive non-structural home modifications. SWEP may use a Building Surveyor/Building Inspector to check compliance as part of SWEP quality assurance processes.
Structural Home Modifications
- If any structural changes are required the Client and/or Home-owner, in consultation with the Prescriber, will engage either an Architect or Draftsperson to draw the final diagrams and provide a scope of works which must comply with the SWEP Standards for Home Modifications which are currently being finalised. The Prescriber will then submit these documents to SWEP once they are satisfied that they meet the functional needs of the Client. (The Client and/or Home-owner may be eligible to access funds for home modifications, through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Home Renovation Loan for either property owners or renters)
- A Building Surveyor/Building Inspector will be involved and may have input into the design, foundations, concrete slab and frame construction. Any compliance certificates provided by the Building Surveyor must be submitted to SWEP
- Where a building permit is required, the relevant Building Surveyor/Building Inspector must inspect the work to ensure it complies with the permit, Building Act and Building Regulations.
SWEP Registration and Credentialing of Builders
SWEP will be introducing a registration and credentialing process to verify Builders and tradespeople's suitability, qualifications and experience to work with Clients who are eligible to receive funding through SWEP for home modifications. A list of SWEP registered and credentialed Builders and tradespeople will be accessible for Clients and Prescriber ensuring they select a Builder that can complete the home modifications to the required standard. We will be contacting you soon to invite you to submit an application to be on our panel of registered home modification providers.
Feedback
If you are interested in providing feedback regarding the new model for Home Modifications or if you have any questions, please contact Narelle Harrison on 03 5333 8115 or Nick Grakini on 03 5333 8128.
