Renovating your home is an exciting step—whether you are updating a tired kitchen, installing new flooring, or reimagining your space to better suit your lifestyle. In a strata-managed building, renovations come with a few extra considerations. Getting it right from the start means less stress, fewer delays, and a smoother experience for everyone involved.
At Bright & Duggan Group, we are here to support you through the process, helping ensure your renovation is well-planned, compliant, and respectful of your neighbours and shared spaces.
Step 1: Understand the Type of Renovation
Renovations in strata properties fall into three categories under NSW law:
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- Cosmetic Work – No approval needed. This includes painting, installing blinds, replacing carpets, or hanging shelves.
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- Minor Renovations – Requires written approval from the owners corporation, body corporate or strata committee. Examples include kitchen upgrades, installing hard flooring, or recessed lighting.
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- Major Renovations – Requires a special resolution at a general meeting. These include structural changes, waterproofing, or anything affecting common property.
Understanding where your project fits helps you prepare the right paperwork and avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 2: Check Your Building’s By-Laws
Each strata scheme has its own set of by-laws that may affect what you can do. Before you start planning, review your building’s by-laws to understand what’s permitted and what requires formal approval. Contact your strata manager if you need assistance locating your by-laws.
Step 3: Lodge a Renovation Application
For any minor or major works, you will need to submit a Building Works Application through Bright & Duggan. This includes:
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- A detailed scope of works
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- Contractor licenses and insurance certificates
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- Plans or designs
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- Duration of works
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- Any relevant acoustic or engineering reports (for flooring, wall removal, etc.)
You can lodge your application via our online portal. Please ensure that all required documents are attached in PDF format.
Step 4: Await Approval
Depending on the nature of your renovation and your building’s by-laws, your application may be reviewed by the strata committee or presented at a General Meeting. If you provide complete documentation upfront, you will help speed up the process.
New laws that started on 1 July 2025 provide that strata committees must provide written reasons for refusing a minor renovation request. If no decision is made or if written reasons for refusal are not provided within three months, then the minor renovation request is automatically approved.
Step 5: Carry Out the Works Responsibly
Once approved, renovations must be carried out by qualified tradespeople with appropriate insurance. All waste must be removed daily and not placed in common property bins. You’ll also need to ensure the works comply with building codes and safety standards.
Step 5: Carry Out the Works Responsibly
Once approved, renovations must be carried out by qualified tradespeople with appropriate insurance. All waste must be removed daily and not placed in common property bins. You’ll also need to ensure the works comply with building codes and safety standards.
Need Support?
If you are unsure about your renovation plans or what category your project falls under, your strata manager is here to help. We are committed to making the process as clear and stress-free as possible.