FAQ CATEGORY 07/07/22

Renovations – I want to upgrade my kitchen. What approval do I need?

Before you get started it’s important to check if you need strata permission for your kitchen renovation. Depending on what you are doing you may need permission from either the strata committee (if they have been delegated that authority) or at a general meeting.

Generally speaking, you can update your cabinets and bench tops without gaining approval from your owners corporation. Anything more substantial such as changing the location of pipes if on a common wall or the tiles on the floor will require approval.

You’d be best to put your plans in an email to the strata manager and request they advise of the process to follow.

If you’re unsure whether you are able to carry out a kitchen renovation in your property, check your strata scheme’s by-laws or ask your strata manager for more information.

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    Renovations 1 – What is Cosmetic Work? - 01/07/22

    The type of approval you need depends on what classification is given to the work you are doing. Cosmetic work - Doesn't need approval Cosmetic work can't change the outside of a property or affect things like structure and waterproofing. You are generally allowed to: paint the interior & fill minor holes and cracks in internal walls install or replace blinds and curtains lay carpet install hooks, nails or screws for hanging paintings etc install or replace handrails install or replace built-in wardrobes. Strata schemes scheme can add more types of work to the list of cosmetic work through a by-law. Each strata scheme is different and you need to check the by-laws before you start renovating so you know [...]

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    What approval do I need to renovate my unit? - 01/07/22

    You'll need permission to do a kitchen or bathroom renovation. You'll also need permission to change the walls, floors, or ceilings. Each strata scheme is different and you need to check the by-laws before you start renovating so you know what approvals are needed and how to get them. If you don’t follow the correct process, you risk having to pay money to put the property back to how it was before you renovated it. Many owners corporations update their by-laws to make the process of requesting approvals quicker and easier.  For example: an owners corporation creates a by-law that adds a range of items to the list it considers 'cosmetic', meaning owners don't need to seek approval each time. [...]