National Schedule of Rates – Access & Adaptations 2026/2027

The National Schedule of Rates – Access & Adaptations 2026/2027 is a comprehensive cost guidance reference for accessibility, access audits, building adaptations and associated construction works across new and existing buildings.

An Access Audit is a commonly used process for assessing the accessibility of buildings, external areas and services. The scope and format of an access audit can vary depending on the client, the nature of the facility and the person undertaking the assessment.

In its most common interpretation, an access audit assesses how effectively an environment and its method of service delivery meet the needs of existing and potential users. This may include staff, visitors and volunteers with a range of mobility, sensory or cognitive impairments or accessibility needs.

Access Audits and Accessibility Improvements

During an access audit, potential barriers are identified and recommendations are made for appropriate changes or enhancements. These recommendations can range from relatively minor improvements to substantial construction and alteration works.

Some recommendations may involve changes to management practices, while others may be incorporated into routine maintenance, refurbishment or redecoration programmes. Having appropriate cost guidance alongside an access audit can help professionals assess the likely financial implications of recommended improvements.

Accessibility Considerations

Accessibility encompasses a broad range of spatial, visual and audio considerations. Effective accessibility can involve both physical alterations and improvements to the way buildings, facilities and services are designed and delivered.

Examples of accessibility considerations include:

• Accessible car parking and external routes
• Footpaths and pedestrian access
• External and internal ramps and steps
• Accessible entrances, doors and doorways
• Lifts and other access provisions
• Accessible sanitary facilities
• Appropriate lighting design
• Colour, contrast and surface treatments
• Internal and external signage and wayfinding
• Visual alert systems
• Hearing enhancement systems
• Accessible fixtures and fittings

Cost Guidance for Access & Adaptations

Alongside the recommendations arising from an access audit, it is helpful to have an indication of the likely cost of proposed works or, at the very least, a reliable budgetary indicator.

The National Schedule of Rates (NSR) provides structured cost guidance covering a wide range of construction, maintenance and adaptation activities relevant to accessibility improvements.

The Access & Adaptations 2026/2027 schedule can therefore be used as a valuable reference when considering the potential costs associated with access improvements, building alterations and related works.

Sections Covered Within the Access & Adaptations Schedule

The schedule covers a broad range of building and construction activities, including:

• A: Contractors General Cost Items
• C: Demolition / Alteration / Renovation
• D: Groundwork
• E: In-situ Concrete / Large Precast Concrete
• F: Masonry
• G: Structural / Carcassing / Metal / Timber
• H: Cladding / Covering
• J: Waterproofing
• K: Linings / Sheathing / Dry Partitioning
• L: Windows / Doors / Stairs
• M: Surface Finishes
• N: Furniture / Equipment
• P: Building Fabric Sundries
• Q: Paving / Planting / Fencing / Site Furniture
• R: Disposal Systems
• S: Piped Supply Systems
• V: Electrical Supply / Power / Lighting Systems
• W: Communications / Security / Control Systems
• Z: Building Fabric Reference Specification

Access & Adaptations – SMM7 & NRM Sections

The SMM7 and NRM versions of the Access & Adaptations schedule provide additional coverage of specific accessibility-related building and external works.

• Y15: Car Parking
• Y17: Footpaths
• Y18: Street Furniture
• Y19: Signage and Wayfinding (Externally)
• Y20: External Ramps and Steps
• Y21: Finishes and Surface Treatments (Externally)
• Y22: Windows, Doors and Doorways
• Y24: Internal Ramps and Steps
• Y25: Fixtures and Fittings
• Y26: Finishes and Surface Treatments (Internally)
• Y27: Decorating (Internally)
• Y28: Decorating (Externally)
• Y29: Signage and Wayfinding (Internally)
• Y30: Sanitary Conveniences
• Y32: General Building Works
• Y33: Mechanical and Electrical

Who Is the Access & Adaptations Schedule For?

This schedule is intended as a useful reference for professionals involved in accessibility assessments, access audits, building adaptations, construction, maintenance and property management.

• Access auditors
• Quantity surveyors
• Building surveyors
• Architects
• Building contractors
• Maintenance contractors
• Facilities managers
• Property managers
• Local authorities
• Housing providers
• Construction consultants
• Accessibility professionals
• Procurement and project management teams

Access Auditing Guidance

Guidelines for undertaking and commissioning access audits are set out in the Centre for Accessible Environments' Access Auditing handbook, which provides a useful companion reference to the National Schedule of Rates Access & Adaptations guide.

Further information about the Centre for Accessible Environments and its resources can be found on their official website .

2026/2027 Edition

This is the 2026/2027 edition of the National Schedule of Rates – Access & Adaptations, providing cost guidance for accessibility improvements, building adaptations and associated construction works.

Whether used alongside an access audit, during project planning, for budgeting purposes or when assessing proposed adaptation works, this schedule provides a structured reference covering a wide range of accessibility-related construction activities.

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