Foundations, the national body for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and home improvement agencies in England, has launched the ‘game-changing’ new Home Adaptations Installer Network.
The free network is designed to do two things: provide support for local authorities and enable them to manage their local builder lists through a national platform.
The Home Adaptations Installer Network shows councils which builders are active in their area; confirms key checks like insurance, training, and experience; offers a feedback system to help monitor quality; and helps ensure DFG-funded work is safe, timely, and appropriate.
It gives teams a clearer picture of local capacity and quality without having to create and manage everything from scratch.
Through the network, councils can manage and grow their list of trusted contractors; access contractors with DBS checks and TrustMark registration; easily onboard new installers; and maintain high, shared standards across all jobs.
Local authorities interested in using the network to manage their contractor list can register their details here.
The Home Adaptations Installer Network was built because local authorities frequently told Foundations how hard it is to manage reliable lists of contractors.
As Foundations explains: “Good builders are in short supply. Some move on, others don’t fully understand what adaptations are really about. When things go wrong, it’s not just a snagging issue on a project, it can have a serious impact on someone’s health, independence and wellbeing.”
At the same time, the public regularly asks Foundations to recommend a builder who knows about adaptations or how to get adaptations work done properly even if the individual does not qualify for a DFG.
The network was created to address these issues. Foundations says it is the first time anything like this has been available nationally and could change how home adaptations are done across England.
While the Home Adaptations Installer Network is only available to local authorities at present, the platform will open to the public later this year, according to Foundations. For the first time, people will be able to search for a builder who genuinely understands how to adapt a home and make it accessible, whether or not they are applying for a grant.
It will mean that for people who do not qualify for a DFG, do not want to wait for an assessment, or want to adapt their home as part of future planning, the platform will be a place for the public to find someone who is trusted, trained, and understands what is needed.
Foundations says that builders in the network are people who understand that adaptations are not like other building work. They have committed to training in adaptations and inclusive design; a code of conduct that puts the client first; and clear standards around safety, communication and quality.
“It’s about doing the job right, first time, and understanding the impact that even small changes can make to someone’s life,” Foundations emphasises.
Foundations and The Occupational Therapy Service recently opened up in-house Trusted DFG Assessor Training for local authorities, home improvement agencies, and housing associations. The Trusted DFG Assessor Training programme is designed to equip professionals, such as housing officers, technical officers, or grants managers, with the skills and confidence to assess and recommend adaptations effectively.
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