Ask what matters to them
Start with daily routines rather than a list of hazards. A parent may care most about getting to the garden, showering comfortably or hosting family. These goals can guide the assessment without making the conversation feel like a loss of control.
Agree who is involved
Clarify who can speak with assessors and contractors, who owns the property and who approves costs. Include siblings or support people only with the appropriate permission. A clear point of contact can help without excluding the homeowner.
Keep observations separate from clinical advice
Describe what you have noticed rather than deciding which equipment is needed. Where balance, transfers or changing ability are involved, an occupational therapist can assess the functional requirements. A builder should not be asked to make clinical decisions.
Create a short practical brief
Record the rooms and routes that need attention, expected timing and any relevant reports. Photos can explain the building, but avoid including private documents or identifying medical information unnecessarily.
Compare scopes rather than personalities alone
Ask each contractor what is included, what remains uncertain and who is responsible for approvals. Confirm the legal contracting entity and licence. Review the impact of construction on daily routines, not just the finished appearance.
Plan decisions during the work
Choose how questions and variations will be communicated and who has authority to approve them. Keep the parent informed in a format they prefer. Do not assume that sending an email to a family member means the homeowner has agreed.
Check the result together
At handover, ask for operating instructions and relevant documents. Where an OT or another professional has been involved, establish whether a further review is needed. Familiarity with the new arrangement matters as well as completion of the building work.