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Nouvelle Specialises in Apartment Renovation
Customers regularly tell us that apartment renovation is impossible in Sydney and that other providers don’t want to take it on because of the complex planning required to execute it successfully.
Apartment renovation is one of our areas of expertise, and it’s time we get the word out so frustrated apartment owners can easily find us.
We can guide you through and complete your apartment renovation with minimal headaches for you, your strata committee, and your neighbours.
Three Categories of Apartment Renovations in NSW
In NSW, there are three renovation categories, and your requirement for permits and approval depends on which area your changes fall in.
1. Cosmetic Upgrades
Cosmetic upgrades are minor and don’t alter the structure, waterproofing, or anything outside your apartment. These upgrades don’t need approval and include things like:
- Replacing or installing nails, screws, or hooks for hanging items on the wall.
- Interior painting.
- Replace or install window coverings.
- Replace or install handrails.
- Laying carpet.
- Replacing or installing built-in robes.
- Filling minor cracks or holes in your internal walls.
All strata schemes use these as a guideline but may also add more to this list of cosmetic work. The owner’s corporation can choose to pass a by-law that covers this.
2. Minor Renovations
Any minor renovations will generally need approval from your strata committee, check whether this is the case at your building. If not, it may need to be voted on at a general meeting. Minor renovations include things like:
- Kitchen renovation.
- Replacing or installing flooring.
- Altering internal walls.
- Updating or installing cabling, power, wiring, and access points.
Learn more about the areas for minor renovations covered by all strata schemes here. Contact your owner’s corporation for a complete list from them.
The areas that cannot be involved in minor renovations include any changes to the outside appearance of the building and changes that may affect waterproofing, such as a bathroom renovation.
Before seeking approval, check with your strata committee whether they need plans of work, an acoustic certification, and the qualifications of the tradespeople who will be completing the work.
3. Major Renovations
All major renovations must have a special resolution vote at a general meeting or AGM. Confirm how this is managed with your owner’s corporation. However, they cannot approve major renovations, which include:
- Any structural changes, such as moving an internal wall.
- Waterproofing, such as a bathroom renovation.
- Any work that needs external approval, such as from government bodies.
Your Property VS Common Property
One of the first things you need to understand about apartment renovation is what belongs to you or The Lot and what is common property managed by the Owners Corporation. When you have a house, you own everything on the title; however, that is not the case with an apartment.
Common property is generally the main structure, including the four outer walls, the ceiling, the roof, the floor, the external building walls, foyers, driveways, and any other areas that grant access to everyone.
As an owner of an apartment, what is yours is the airspace in your lot. This includes the paint, fixtures, carpet, and internal walls.
Structural Restrictions Governing Apartment Upgrades
When you plan to renovate your apartment, you need to be aware of the limitations you must work with around structural changes. It doesn’t mean they are impossible, but they will require more planning and scope, and for this, you need the services of a professional well-versed in apartment renovations.
How Renovating Your Apartment Differs From a Home
Apartments are not stand-alone buildings. It’s close living. Anything you do in terms of renovation can affect the building structure and integrity and the peaceful living of your neighbours. This means that the process of renovating an apartment is handled mindfully by us at Nouvelle.
We understand the nuances of apartment renovations and plan around them to ensure that you are happy and your neighbours and strata organisation are too. Things that we plan for include:
Access Limitation
Communicating/negotiating work times – start and end of the day.
Parking restrictions
Get additional permits where necessary to ensure that building access is not hampered and residents still have access to parking.
Noise
We plan with the strata organisation and neighbours to reduce disturbance regarding noise, giving prior notice for major works to assist planning.
Rubbish
We don't use skip bins. We Demolish and take our waste away, so no nasty skip bins sitting around for days getting in the way.
Protection
We understand that common areas and lifts need to be protected from damage and take every necessary measure to ensure the integrity of common spaces.
Apartment Renovations. We Have Got You Covered
We love renovating apartments and are experts at planning and executing apartment renovations. We have the appropriate insurance and licences and will liaise with the strata committee.
If you are thinking of renovating your apartment, call us or come into our showroom for a chat about how we can make your dream a reality.
