Renovations … What Can I Do?

There are three types of renovations for strata properties:

  • cosmetic work
  • minor renovations
  • major renovations

Cosmetic Work

Owners can do cosmetic work without approval. This includes day to day work such as:

  • installing or replacing hooks, nails or screws for hanging paintings or other things on walls
  • installing or replacing handrails within your lot
  • interior painting
  • filling minor holes and cracks in internal walls
The owners corporation can declare other types of work as ‘cosmetic’ if they pass a by-law.


Minor Renovations

Owners need approval, over 50% of the votes in favour, before doing any minor renovations which include:

  • renovating a kitchen
  • changing recessed light fittings
  • installing or replacing wood or other hard floors
  • changing internal walls
  • sustainability measures (such as a clothesline or reverse cycle air conditioner). These cannot involve changing the outside appearance of a lot or structural changes.

The approval process may need the owner to give details of the work which may include:

  • any plans of the work
  • when the work will be carried out (times and dates)
  • qualifications and details of the tradespeople who will do the work

Major Renovations

These include:

  • structural changes
  • waterproofing
  • changes affecting the outside appearance of the property
  • work that needs approval under other laws, eg council approval

This work needs a special resolution vote. The owners corporation cannot delegate approval for major renovations to the strata committee.

Source: NSW Fair Trading