At What Stage Do You Engage an SDA Assessor?

When developing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), engaging an SDA Assessor at the right stage is critical to project success. Whether you’re a builder, provider, or investor, early involvement helps ensure NDIS compliance and a smooth certification process.  

What Does an SDA Assessor Do?  

An SDA Assessor is an accredited professional approved by the NDIS to certify dwellings under the NDIS SDA Design Standard. They confirm that your dwelling meets the requirements for one of the four SDA design categories - Improved Liveability (IL), Fully Accessible (FA), Robust (Ro), or High Physical Support (HPS) and issue both the Design (Provisional) and Final as Built Stage SDA Design Certificates required for NDIS enrolment.  

1. Engage at the Design Stage (Ideal Timing)  

The concept and design stage is the best time to engage an SDA Assessor.  At this point, the assessor can:  

• Review and advise on your plans for SDA Design Standard compliance  

• Recommend design adjustments to achieve your intended SDA category  

• Ensure accessibility and assistive technology are built in early  

• Prevent costly redesigns or construction delays  

Engaging your SDA Assessor early allows collaboration with the architect, builder, and owner, ensuring a compliant and well-planned project from the start.  

2. Before Construction (Pre-Build Stage)  

If your plans are complete but construction hasn’t started, it’s still vital to involve an assessor before building begins.  At this stage, they can:  

• Review your final drawings for compliance gaps  

• Issue the Provisional SDA Design Certificate required before construction  

• Help fine-tune details to maintain your target SDA category  

This step helps prevent future non-compliance issues and supports a smoother final certification process.  

3. During Construction (Frame Stage) Inspection 

Complete Access Partners are able to carry out inspections at any stage of the construction of the dwelling. 

Inspections during construction can: 

• Identify and resolve departures from the approved drawings early 

• Assist in achieving compliance where the drawings differ from the site conditions 

• Provide SDA compliance advice and guidance to contractors on-site 

• Provide practical and real-time feedback to the builder, avoiding costly delays and rework due to non-compliances 

This step helps to resolve departures from the approved drawings and Design Standard before they become an issue. 

4. After Construction (Final Certification) Mandatory Inspection 

Once construction is complete, the SDA Assessor performs an on-site inspection to confirm the dwelling matches the approved plans and meets all SDA Design Standards.  They will:  

• Check accessibility features and fittings  

• Verify assistive technology readiness  

• Issue the Final SDA Design Certificate (confirming full NDIS compliance)  

This certificate is essential for provider registration and NDIS funding eligibility.  

Why Early Engagement Matters  

Engaging an SDA Assessor early helps:  

• Guarantee NDIS compliance from the start  

• Avoid costly rework and construction delays  

• Improve design outcomes for residents  

• Ensure faster project approval and smoother certification  

Early involvement isn’t just about compliance; it’s about delivering safe, high-quality homes for people with disability.  

Partner with Complete Access Partners  

At Complete Access Partners, our accredited SDA Assessors work with builders, developers, and providers to deliver NDIS-compliant SDA assessments across Australia.  We support your project from concept to completion with:  

• Design stage guidance for compliance confidence  

• Provisional and final certifications for NDIS registration  

• Expert advice to achieve your target SDA Design Category  

From start to finish, we make the certification process straightforward, transparent, and compliant.  

Contact Complete Access Partners today to discuss your next SDA project.