Yes, you can renovate a bathroom in a NSW strata apartment. Cosmetic work may need no approval, but work involving waterproofing, structural changes or common property is generally a major renovation requiring owners corporation approval by special resolution before work starts. A renovation by-law may also be required.
What approval applies?
The scope and its effect on common property determine the approval pathway.
- Cosmetic work: Painting and installing removable accessories may not require approval if no waterproofing, plumbing, structure or common property is affected.
- Minor renovations: Eligible work can be approved by ordinary resolution. Approval may be delegated to the strata committee under the scheme’s by-laws, but waterproofing is excluded from minor renovations.
- Major renovations: Work involving waterproofing, structural changes or alterations to common property requires a special resolution of the owners corporation. This approval cannot be delegated to the strata committee or given informally by the strata manager.
A special resolution passes when no more than 25% of the votes cast, calculated by unit entitlement, are against it.
Bathroom work such as replacing a waterproofing membrane, penetrating floors or walls, or altering shared pipes may affect common property. Check the registered strata plan and strata scheme by-laws because lot boundaries and responsibilities differ between schemes.
How to submit a strata renovation application
Ask the strata manager or owners corporation secretary for the registered by-laws, application form and submission requirements before engaging contractors or scheduling work.
Include:
- A detailed scope: demolition, plumbing changes, waterproofing, tiling, penetrations and any work affecting common property or shared services.
- Plans and specifications: including the proposed layout and relevant construction details.
- Contractor information: licence and insurance details for the relevant trades.
- Site arrangements: proposed hours, access, water shut-offs, waste removal and protection of lifts and common areas.
- Compliance documents: any waterproofing, plumbing or completion certificates requested by the scheme.
Allow enough time for the proposal to be placed on a general meeting agenda. Do not rely on verbal agreement or an informal email; wait for the formal resolution and written approval.
When is a renovation by-law needed?
A renovation by-law may be required to set conditions for access, damage, certification and ongoing maintenance of affected common property. A new by-law requires a special resolution and does not take effect until it is registered. The exact wording and need for one depend on the work and the scheme’s existing by-laws.
Are other approvals required?
Strata approval does not replace trade licensing or any planning and building approvals that apply. Check whether a bathroom renovation needs separate planning approval before finalising the work schedule.
- Confirm which work needs licensed plumbers and electricians. Plumbing and drainage work must be performed by someone holding the relevant NSW contractor licence. Check the applicable NSW licensing requirements for waterproofing work.
- Ask the relevant council or certifier whether structural work, fire-safety changes, external alterations or other parts of the project need separate approval.
- Keep the approved scope, resolution, registered by-law and all compliance, warranty and completion documents.
Do not demolish, disconnect plumbing or disturb waterproofing until all required approvals are in place and licensed contractors are engaged. Contact our bathroom renovation plumbing team to review the approved scope and provide the contractor details required by strata.