Renovations

Are you thinking of renovating your apartment? Renovations are governed by legislation. It is critical to understand the category of renovations you are planning so you can comply with the law.

The law may require you to get approvals from the Owners Corporation if your renovations involve the common property. Read the material below as a guide. If you are planning minor or major renovations advise StrataChoice as early as possible so they can guide you through any regulatory or legal requirements.

Cosmetic Work

Owners may carry out cosmetic work to common property in connection with their apartment without the approval of the Owners Corporation. Such work includes:

laying carpet
installing or replacing internal blinds or curtains
installing or replacing built-in wardrobes
internal painting, and
installing or replacing hoods, nails or screws for having paintings and other things on the walls.

For more information, see Section 109 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.

Minor Renovations

Owners must seek the approval of the Owners Corporation for minor renovations. Minor renovations include:

renovating a kitchen
changing recessed light fittings
installing or replacing wood or other hard floors
installing or replacing wiring or cabling or power or access points, and
work involving reconfiguring non load-bearing walls.

For further details about the information that should be provided to the Owners Corporation when seeking approval and on the obligations of the owner carrying out the work, see Section 110 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.

Major Renovations

Renovations that involve structural changes, water proofing (eg bathrooms) or that change the external appearance of an apartment must be authorised by a special resolution at a general meeting of the Owners Corporation.

Owners are obliged by law to provide evidence to the Owners Corporation that all necessary consents, certifications and insurances required by the relevant laws have been obtained prior to commencing renovation work on a Lot. For more information, see Section 111 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.