Adaptations and changes to the home

Below you will find information about making changes to your home and adaptations. 

If you are looking for information about when your home is due an upgrade, please visit My Account which will tell you when an upgrade is scheduled within the next five years.

If you’d like to make any changes to your home or garden, please get in touch with the Trust for permission first. Some alterations can be approved, and we’ll share the guidelines you need to follow. You can contact us on 0300 303 9848 or enquiries@wvht.co.uk.

Approved alterations become part of your tenancy conditions, so it’s important to follow the rules. If we can’t approve your request, we’ll let you know in writing and explain why.

Adaptations

Adaptations help people live more independently at home.

They can be:

  • Equipment not fixed to the property (e.g., bath seats, commodes, walking frames). These are usually provided by Cheshire West and Chester Council for people with mobility or disability needs.
  • Fixed Adaptations permanent changes to a property, classed as Minor or Major.
 
Minor Adaptations

Minor adaptations are under £1,000 and provide low‑level assistance.

We can complete straightforward minor works without an assessment, such as grab rails or lever taps. More personalised changes (e.g., large step alterations, long handrails) may require an Occupational Therapist or Social Care assessment.

Examples of Minor Adaptations:
  • Handrails, stair‑rails and grab‑rails
  • Reduced step heights
  • Extra plug sockets
  • Lever taps
  • Wall‑mounted items (e.g., shower seats)
  • Fluorescent lighting

 

For advice on minor adaptations, call 0300 303 9848.

Major Adaptations

Major adaptations cost over £1,000 and require an Occupational Therapist or Social Care Assessor referral. Contact your local council for assessment:

Cheshire West and Chester - 0300 123 7034

Cheshire East - 0300 123 5500

Warrington - 01925 443322

 

Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are means‑tested to ensure fairness.

Examples of Major Adaptations:
  • Access ramps
  • Level access showers
  • Stairlifts
  • Through‑floor lifts
  • Extensions
  • Structural property changes

In some cases, the Trust may not approve major adaptations. 

Questions about Adaptations

How do I get a Level Access Shower, Ramp or Stairlift?

We maximise the use of our housing stock in line with our Adaptations Policy.
No major work should be carried out without permission from the Trust. Permission is usually requested by an Occupational Therapist (OT) following an assessment of need. These works are classed as major adaptations. To discuss major adaptations, please contact your local council.

Do you provide equipment such as bath lifts or raised toilet seats?

No. We are unable to provide equipment solutions. If you need equipment to help you to live independently, other organisations may be able to support you with advice and equipment that can improve your quality of life.

I am a new tenant. Can I have an adaptation?

We cannot approve major adaptation work within the first 12 months of your tenancy unless your health has significantly changed since signing your agreement. 

We can help with minor adaptations at any time. Please contact us on 0300 303 9848. 

If your health has changed considerably, please also contact your local council.

Will the Trust install a ramp to help me store a mobility scooter?

No. We cannot approve ramp requests that are solely to support the storage of mobility scooters inside our homes. 

Please refer to the Trust’s Mobility Scooter Policy.

I live in a 2‑bed house and now struggle with stairs and bathing. Can I have a stairlift and Level Access Shower?

We would not normally approve major adaptations in these circumstances. We aim to use our housing stock effectively and have a range of 2‑bed ground‑floor properties that may better suit your needs.

I live alone in a large house, my mobility has deteriorated. How can you help?

We can install minor adaptations such as handrails, but these are usually temporary solutions as mobility often worsens over time. We do offer a range of ground‑floor accommodation, including flats and bungalows. Available homes are advertised on the West Cheshire Homes website.

I have an adaptation I no longer need. Can it be removed?

Yes. Please contact us on 0300 303 9848 to request removal.

How will I know if my minor adaptation request is approved?

We will advise you immediately when you contact us. We follow guidance from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists  “Adaptations without Delay” to ensure the best service.

What if my major adaptation request is not approved?

If permission is not granted:

  • You will receive a written explanation of the decision.
  • The referring Occupational Therapist or Social Care Assessor will be informed.
  • We may suggest more suitable alternative housing and provide re‑housing advice.
  • You will be notified in writing about how to contact us if you are dissatisfied with our decision.

Improving your Home Form

If you want to make any changes to your home or garden, you must first request permission from the Trust. Only certain alterations are allowed and must follow the rules the Trust provides. To request permission, call 0300 303 9848, email enquiries@wvht.co.uk or fill in the form below.

Any approved alterations become part of your tenancy conditions. Not following the Trust’s rules may be treated as a breach of your tenancy agreement.

If your request is refused, we will notify you in writing and explain the reason.

Permission Request Form

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