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In the DIY TV Shows, the contestants renovate a whole block of apartments before they are strataed for sale. Therefore they don’t need to comply with all those annoying rules and requirements for renovation approval that all strata owners need to comply with.
What are those rules and requirements? Up until now, in NSW, all work affecting the fabric of the building, from major work such as a new bathroom to minor work such as putting up a shelf in a bathroom, have all required the same approval, namely a special resolution (a 75% majority) at a general meeting of the owners corporation.
But from 30 November, 2016, this changes in a number of ways depending on whether the work is cosmetic work, a minor renovation or a major work. Specifically –
– Cosmetic work such as putting up a shelf, hanging pictures, painting and patching, laying carpet, installing built-in wardrobes and replacing blinds and curtains (like for like) will not require any approval. This is a DIY renovators paradise!
– Minor renovations such as renovating a kitchen, installing a wooden floor, electrical work, installing an air conditioner will require approval by a simple majority (a 50% majority) resolution at a general meeting of the owners corporation. This work is not DIY territory because the owners corporation can be expected to require that the work be carried out by licensed tradesmen, at specified times, and according to approved plans.
– Major work covers all renovations that are not cosmetic work and minor renovations. Major work is all work requiring waterproofing and structural work, such as new bathrooms, laundries, plumbing work, replacement of external doors and windows, pergolas and awnings. Major work will require approval by a special resolution (a 75% majority) at a general meeting of the owners corporation. This work is for licensed tradesmen with structural engineer’s certificates and waterproofing certificates.
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