Are you thinking about renovating your unit, or embarking on some improvements? Strata unit owners in New South Wales should read this first!

We have tailored our Guide to Strata Lot Improvements and Renovations specifically to NSW unit owners.  It provides a comprehensive guide to the renovation process and checklist for approval, to ensure you can proceed with your renovation or improvements without any unanticipated roadblocks.

Lets start with the basics:

• All owners require permission to complete a kitchen or bathroom renovation.
• Permission is required for owners to change the walls, floors, or ceilings.
• Owners do not require permission to make cosmetic changes that do not affect the structure or require waterproofing.

The Three Types of Renovations 

1) Cosmetic Work: Cosmetic work does not need approval. Cosmetic work includes any changes that do not affect the structure or outside of your apartment, duplex or strata property and do not require waterproofing. Here are examples of cosmetic work:

• Installing or replacing hooks, nails, screws, handrails, blinds, curtains or built-in wardrobes
• Painting the interior
• Filling minor holes and cracks in internal walls
• Laying carpet.

Your strata scheme can choose to classify additional types of work as cosmetic. It’s a good idea to check your by-laws to understand what applies in your scheme.

2) Minor Renovations 

Minor renovations do require approval. To conduct minor renovations, you will need to contact the owner’s corporation, strata committee or strata managing agent and request permission. You will need to show them:

• Plans that outline the proposed work with proposed commencement and completion dates.
• The qualifications and details of the tradespeople who will do the work.
• For flooring installations, an acoustic certificate to show sound insulation.

You’ll need to submit the details of your proposed renovation works for a vote at a strata meeting. For approval, at least 50% of the votes cast must support the motion.

Examples of minor renovations:

• Kitchen renovations, including installing or removing cupboards.
• Changes to internal walls or changes to recessed light fittings.
• Removing carpets, or installing wood, tile or other hard flooring.
• Wiring, cabling, power, or access points
• Installing a rainwater tank, clothesline or reverse cycle air conditioner.
• Double or triple glazed windows
• Installing a heat pump
• Adding ceiling insulation.

Note – Minor renovations cannot change the outside or structure of your apartment, duplex or strata property or require waterproofing. Your strata scheme can choose to add more types of work to the list of minor renovations; check your by-laws to see what applies in your scheme.

3) Major Renovations 

Only the owners corporation has the authority to approve major renovations. To proceed, owners must pass a special resolution at a general meeting, meaning that no more than 25% of the votes cast can be against the proposed work. If your renovation will alter the structure of your property, you must give the owners corporation at least 14 days’ written notice before starting the work.

Examples of major renovations include:

• Changes that affect the outside or structure of your apartment, duplex or strata property
• Changes that require waterproofing
• Changes to the ceiling
• Work that needs approval under other laws (for example, council approval). This includes moving a structural internal wall, bathroom renovations, installing an access ramp or installing a false ceiling.

Will The Renovation or Improvement Cost Over $5,000.00?

If you’re planning to renovate your apartment, duplex, or other strata property, make sure you understand the relevant rules. You must carry out all strata building work safely and in compliance with building standards. This approach protects builders and residents while helping to prevent future defects in the property.

To make sure all work is safe and up to standard:

• A registered design practitioner must prepare regulated designs; and
• A registered building practitioner must oversee the work.

Note: Before starting any building works, use the D&BPA Compliance Checklist to determine whether your plans must comply with the Design & Building Practitioners Act 2020 and Regulations 2021. Your responses to these questions will clarify if your proposed works:

• meet the criteria for an exempt development,
• fall under minor building alterations, or
• require full compliance with the Act and Regulations.

The Application Process

Are you ready to submit an application for a lot improvement or renovation? You can complete  application form and upload attachments online, via our website: Lot Improvement or Renovations Request – TCM Strata.

Alternatively, you can download a PDF form to complete. These can be returned to your Strata Manager along with any supporting documentation. Email: reception@tcmstrata.com or your Strata Manager directly.

How Long Do Renovation Approvals Take? 

It can very. It largely depends on the individual owners corporation, committee and the type of work you’re planning.

We hope you’ve found this Guide to Strata Lot Improvements and Renovations – NSW Edition helpful. Now that you’re equipped with the right knowledge, you’re one step closer to bringing your renovation plans to life!

Would you like to know more? Contact Us today.