Does Renovating My Kitchen Require Consent From My Strata?

Obtaining strata approval for renovations is crucial for many types of renovations undertaken to strata-titled property. The process involves applying and obtaining permission for changes to walls, floors, or ceilings, as well as minor renovations like changing taps, faucets, or shower heads. However, it is important to consider whether you will need strata approval before starting the project.

In 2016, the NSW Strata Management Act updated renovation rules to allow a range of cosmetic changes without prior approval. Without strata approvals, renovations run the risk of violating the community’s aesthetic, structural, and safety standards. Many types of renovations within your property, while relatively minor, do require owners corporation approval because they may directly or indirectly affect the property’s structure.

For minor renovations, approval by ordinary resolution of the strata committee is required. Minor renovations include renovating a kitchen or changing recessed ceilings. Section 108 of the Strata Schemes Management Act requires that a common property rights by-law be registered before an owner can undertake major renovations.

In summary, obtaining strata approval for renovations is essential for both minor and major renovations. While minor renovations can be done without strata approval, major renovations may require approval from the owners’ corporation. It is essential to consider the scope of work and contractors details before proceeding with any renovation project. In summary, obtaining strata approval is crucial for ensuring the safety and aesthetic appeal of your strata-titled property.

Are balconies covered by Strata NSW?

In most cases, lot owners are the proprietors of the airspace within their unit, which may include exclusive balconies. The body corporate, on the other hand, is responsible for the maintenance of the main structure and common property of the strata corporation’s building.

Do I need planning permission to install a new kitchen?

It is typically unnecessary to submit a planning application for the installation of a kitchen or bathroom unless the work is part of a house extension. In the event that a property is listed, it is advisable to seek guidance from the local planning authority. One may utilize the directories provided by CIAT, FMB, or RTPI to identify a chartered architectural technologist, builder, or planning consultant for a specific project or development.

What is a minor renovation in NSW Strata?

Minor renovations involve kitchen changes, changes to internal walls, and replacements of hard flooring, wiring, power, and access points. They cannot alter the exterior or structure of an apartment, duplex, or strata property or require waterproofing. Your strata scheme may add more types of work to the list of minor renovations. If you don’t get permission for minor renovations, you may need to pay to restore the property to its pre-renovated state. Check your by-laws to determine what applies to your strata scheme.

Do I need council approval for internal renovations in NSW?

The need for council approval for internal renovations in NSW depends on the type and extent of the work. Minor renovations often fall under exempt development and don’t require approval, while more significant changes may require a Complying Development Certificate or a Development Application. It’s crucial to consult your local council or a professional to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.

What is considered a major renovation?

Major home renovations involve removing walls, installing new cabinets, moving utilities, or altering room layouts, while minor renovations involve cosmetic changes like a new backsplash, updated cabinet facings, or tile in the bathroom. Major renovations require structural support and are more expensive than minor ones, such as a new heart surgery or putting in a pacemaker. Minor renovations, on the other hand, are mostly cosmetic and can be done by DIYers.

Major renovations typically address the integrity of the house, while minor changes are mostly cosmetic and can be recovered in full or more by the time the home is sold. For example, opting for marble in a spa-like bathroom can cost more than a major renovation, but minor renovations can be recovered in full or more by the time the home is sold.

In summary, major and minor home renovations involve a combination of cosmetic and structural changes, with the latter being more affordable and often more cost-effective.

What does Strata cover in NSW?

In NSW, strata insurance is regulated by the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, which mandates coverage for building and common property, public liability, and worker’s compensation. This includes costs for damage or repairs to residential strata properties and public liability coverage to protect against claims from accidents or injuries in common areas. Owners Corporations of a Strata Scheme must insure the building and maintain coverage under a contract of insurance against fire, lightning, explosion, and other specified events. Victoria’s strata insurance is regulated under the Owners Corporations Amendment Act 2021.

What is considered a small kitchen remodel?

The average kitchen size is around 225 square feet, with a kitchen between 70 and 200 square feet considered small. Remodeling costs can range from $100-$250 per square foot, depending on the remodel’s extent. Costs vary by the materials used, with pre-made stock cabinets costing as little as $120 per linear foot and custom cabinets costing as much as $1, 425 per linear foot. The overall cost for a low-end remodel is $11, 410, while a higher-end project costs $43, 625. The cost of common materials and installation in a 70-square-foot kitchen is approximate.

Can anyone install a kitchen?

The risks and challenges of fitting a kitchen yourself include lack of experience, which requires technical skills like plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work, which can lead to costly mistakes. The process is time-consuming, taking weeks to complete, especially if done alone. It requires planning and coordination of every aspect of the project, from material ordering to cabinet and appliance installation. Therefore, it is essential to have the necessary skills and knowledge to avoid these risks and challenges.

Are balconies part of gross floor area?

Gross Floor Area (GFA) is a measure of a building’s total internal floor space, measured from the inside face of the external walls. It differs from other measurements such as Gross Internal Area (GIA), which measures the total internal floor space of a building, and Gross Living Area (GIA), which is the total internal floor space of a building measured from the outside face of the exterior walls. In commercial buildings, GFA excludes uncovered portions of balconies, decks, and patios, enclosed ductwork, crawlspaces, and exterior loading bays and docks.

What can I build without council approval in NSW?

The term “exempt development” encompasses a range of structures, including decks, garden sheds, carports, fences, window repairs, and house painting. For further details, please consult the Understanding Exempt Development fact sheet. The installation of air-conditioning units does not necessitate the acquisition of planning approval, and the construction of balconies, decks, patios, pergolas, terraces, and verandas is similarly exempt from such requirements.

What is a minor kitchen renovation?

A minor kitchen remodel is a smaller, less extensive, and more expensive alternative to a major kitchen remodel. It involves leaving existing items in place or reusing them, such as replacing flooring and appliances or re painting cabinets. The cost of a minor kitchen remodel typically ranges from $20, 000. However, the terms “major” and “minor” are not always used to define the type of remodel, as the categories of kitchen remodels are not clearly defined.

Some renovation companies also use price tiers to help define the remodeling work, typically categorized into two or three cost tiers: minor or basic, midrange and major, and upscale or luxury. This helps to differentiate between different types of kitchen remodels.