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Nouvelle Specialises in Apartment & Unit Renovations
Apartment renovations in Sydney are complex and no provider wants to take up. Why? Simply because it takes detailed and complex planning to execute it perfectly. If you’re thinking of making the move, look no further.
With expertise in apartment and unit renovations, we design and renovate your living space so that it reflects your style. Whether it’s bathroom renovation or kitchen remodelling, our experts can do it for you without breaking a sweat.
Get in touch, and we can guide you through your design journey and complete your apartment renovation with zero hassles for you, your stakeholders, committees, or your neighbours.
Three Types of Apartment Renovations in Sydney
In NSW, there are three renovation categories. Your permit and approval requirements will depend upon what category your changes come under.
1. Cosmetic Upgrades
Cosmetic upgrades are minor changes that don’t alter the structure, waterproofing, or exterior of your apartment. These upgrades typically don’t require strata approval, but it’s always good practice to inform all stakeholders. Common cosmetic upgrades include:
- 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.
Each strata scheme may have its own guidelines, and the owner’s corporation can add more items to the list. We can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
2. Minor Renovations
Minor renovations usually need approval from your strata committee or a vote at a general meeting. Common minor renovations include:
Learn more about the areas covered by all strata schemes here. Contact your Owners Corporation for a complete list.
Note that changes to the building’s outside appearance and modifications affecting waterproofing, such as bathroom renovations, cannot be classified as minor renovations.
Before seeking approval, check with your strata committee if they need work plans, acoustic certification, and the qualifications of the tradespeople completing the work.
3. Major Renovations
All major renovations must be approved by a special resolution vote at a general meeting or AGM. Confirm the process with your owner’s corporation. Major renovations include:
- Any structural changes, such as moving an internal wall
- Waterproofing, such as bathroom renovation.
- Any work that needs external approval, such as from government bodies.
Understanding the different types of upgrades and renovations can help you navigate the strata approval process smoothly. Contact us for expert guidance on your specific situation.
Transforming Your Apartment: Essential Renovation Guidelines
Your Property vs. Common Property
When renovating an apartment or unit, it’s crucial to know the difference between what belongs to you (your lot) and what is common property managed by the Owners Corporation. Unlike owning a house, where everything on the title is yours, owning an apartment works differently.
Common property generally includes:
- Main structure: four outer walls, ceiling, roof, and floor
- External building walls
- Foyers and driveways
- Any areas providing access to all residents
Your property consists of:
- The airspace within your lot
- Paint, fixtures, carpet, and internal walls
Structural Restrictions Governing Apartment Upgrades
Planning to renovate your apartment or unit? Be aware of the limitations on structural changes. While not impossible, these changes require more planning and expertise. For this, consider hiring a professional experienced in apartment renovations, like Nouvelle.
How Renovating Your Apartment Differs from a Home Renovation
Unlike homes, living in an apartment is all about close quarters. Your renovations can impact the building’s structure, integrity, and your neighbours’ peace and quiet. That’s why at Nouvelle, we handle apartment renovations with extra care and consideration.
We understand the nuances of apartment or unit renovations and plan around them to ensure that you can sit back care-free, and your neighbours and strata organisation are happy too as we always keep them in the loop. Here’s what we handle:
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
Instead of using 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 in Sydney. We’ve Got You Covered
At Nouvelle, we love renovating apartments and are experts at planning and executing them. We have the right insurance and licences, and we work closely with the strata committee to make your renovation a seamless experience.
If you’re thinking about renovating your apartment in Sydney, give us a call or visit our showrooms in Willoughby or Pennant Hills. We’d love to chat about how we can make your dream apartment a reality.
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