Renovation Application Form

In Strata, renovations are classified into three distinct types as outlined in the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015:

1. COSMETIC RENOVATIONS

Cosmetic Renovations are superficial alterations that don’t affect the structure or exterior of your property and don’t require waterproofing. These types of renovations DON’T require strata approval.

Examples include:

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

2. MINOR RENOVATIONS

 Minor renovations include things like changes to internal walls or changes to recessed light fittings. While relatively minor, these types of renovations DO require strata approval as they may affect other owners and residents, directly or indirectly.

Examples include:

• Kitchen renovations.
• Reconfiguring internal walls (excluding work involving structural changes).
• Changing recessed light fittings.
• Installing or replacing wiring, cabling, power, or access points.
• Installing or replacing wood or other hard floors.
• Removing carpet from floors.

3. MAJOR RENOVATIONS

Major renovations involve significant changes that impact the structure and framework of both your property and common areas. These types of renovations DO require strata approval through a special resolution vote.

Examples include:

• Structural changes.
• Waterproofing.
• Alterations affecting the property’s external appearance, such as roof or balcony works.
• Work requiring approval under other laws (e.g. council approval).

Whether you need approval and the type of approval required depends on the nature of the renovations you wish to undertake.

The Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 categorises renovations into three types:

1. Cosmetic Renovations: An owner can do cosmetic renovations WITHOUT the approval of the owners corporation.

2. Minor Renovations: An owner of a lot can do minor renovations WITH the approval of the owners corporation via a general resolution vote at a general meeting. The owners’ corporation can also pass a by-law which allows the strata committee the ability to approve minor renovations, and pass by-laws which define particular types of works as minor renovations.

3. Major Renovations: Any works which are major renovations MUST be approved by way of a special resolution vote by the owners corporation. If the vote passes and the work involves altering the structure of a lot, the owner must give the owners corporation at least 14 days written notice before the work starts.

If you’re an owner considering renovation, we strongly recommended consulting with your strata manager first. Failure to obtain necessary approvals can lead to costly consequences, including the potential obligation to revert the property back to its original state.

The process of applying and obtaining strata approval can vary based on the type of renovation work you have planned. However, there are some steps applicable for both minor renovations and major renovations.

1. Check the By-Laws and Guidelines: Familiarise yourself with the specific bylaws and guidelines of your strata. These regulations outline the requirements and procedures for renovations within the building.
2. Consult with your Strata Manager: Reach out to your Strata Manager to understand the approval process better. They can guide you through the necessary steps and help gather the required documentation for your application.
3. Prepare & Submit your Request: Fill out the Renovation Application Form accurately, detailing the scope of your proposed renovation work. Include any supplementary documents such as architectural plans, drawings, and technical specifications. Submit the completed form and accompanying documents to your Strata Manager, who will forward it to the strata corporation for review by fellow owners.
4. Wait for the Go-Ahead: Once you have submitted your request, you are required to wait as the owners corporation reviews your proposal. If everything aligns with the building’s regulations, you’ll receive approval to proceed with the renovation work. Typically, this involves receiving a copy of the general meeting minutes that document the approval of your proposed works or receiving a copy of your newly registered by-laws.

The approval process for minor and major renovations can span several weeks. The timeline often depends on the specific details of the proposed changes. For certain types of works, you may need to wait for an AGM to be held so that owners can vote to approve your renovations.

Please allow plenty of time for this process prior to booking in your works.

Once your renovations have been approved, you will need to notify your neighbours at least 24 hours prior to starting any work, especially if it involves anything noisy!

Make sure that you comply with the terms of your newly registered by law and any of your strata schemes existing by-laws that are relevant to the work being carried out. This may include:

• Noise and acoustic controls
• Carrying out building works
• Obstruction of common property
• Garbage disposal
• Changes to floor coverings and surfaces
• Damage to common property