Registered Design Practitioner and Class 2 Apartment renovation expert

Our Service

We love helping clients realise their dreams and after years project managing flat renovations we’ve come to realise, if there isn’t a large budget clients can’t afford the support they need. We’re going about changing that.

The Problem

As apartment renovation specialists, we've come across the same issue time and again - it's become expensive and complicated to renovate.

Often, apartment owners aren't even aware that costs just to design, provide documentation and approve your apartment renovation in NSW are often 10-15% of build costs, sometimes even higher.

How We Help

Our experience is that for small renovation projects, the money spent on consultants to project manage the approval process is simply money that the homeowner doesn’t have.

It has been our experience that with guidance, a homeowner can do so much of the process of approving their project themselves, resulting in huge cost savings. We support you to design, get the documents you need, gain strata and council approval and choose a builder. Let’s get your renovation project build-ready!

The Solution

Do it yourself, but don't do it alone. Get the support you need from professionals and other people just like you navigating their project to approval at a fraction of the typical cost.

Does a bathroom renovation require the approval of my strata?

So, you're dreaming of a bathroom makeover—fresh tiles, a fancy new vanity, maybe even one of those...

Here at TightKnit Building Design, we specialise in apartment renovations anywhere in NSW,...

At TightKnit Building Design, we’ve built our services around one key focus: helping homeowners...

At TightKnit Building Design, we live and breathe apartment renovations. And if there’s one thing...

Does my renovation need a Class 2 Design Practitioner?

Well, that depends

Apartment renovations that require a registered class 2 design practitioner typically include:

Structural changes (e.g., altering load-bearing walls)
Fire safety system modifications (e.g., sprinklers, fire-rated walls)
Waterproofing in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundries
Façade changes (e.g., windows, balconies, cladding)
Building services modifications (e.g., electrical, plumbing)
Major interior reconfigurations impacting safety or compliance

We can help

TightKnit’s expertise in strata renovations ensures homeowners understand if their project requires a Class 2 Design Practitioner in Architectural or Building Design.

We guide you through compliance and approval processes with clarity, drawing on our deep knowledge of NSW regulations and previous strata apartment renovation projects

Can I remove or change internal walls in my strata apartment?

Yes, but you’ll need to follow steps we outline below. You'll need to find registered design and building practitioners who can produce regulated designs to ensure compliance with strata laws and building regulations in NSW. So, yes, you can make structural changes to walls in your apartment renovation. The process is....

1. Determine if the Wall is Structural

Some internal walls are load-bearing and form part of the building’s structure. Removing or altering them can affect the building’s integrity.
You may need an engineer’s assessment to confirm whether a wall is structural.

2. Check Your Strata By-Laws

Internal walls are often considered part of the lot (your apartment), but structural walls may be classed as common property, which means strata approval is required.
Review your building’s by-laws or consult your strata manager to understand what approvals are needed.

3. Get Strata Approval

If the wall is structural or affects common property (e.g., shared plumbing or electrical services), you’ll likely need to submit a renovation proposal to your owners corporation.
Major works, such as structural changes, usually require a special resolution at a general meeting and a by-law registered with NSW Land Registry Services.

4. Comply with NSW Building Regulations

Under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020, structural work in Class 2 buildings (apartments) must be designed by a registered design practitioner and built by a registered building practitioner.
The work must meet National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards requirements.

How long does a typical apartment renovation take?

Renovation Type	Estimated Timeframe

Cosmetic Updates (paint, flooring, fixtures)

2–4 weeks

Bathroom Renovation

3–6 weeks

Kitchen Renovation

4–8 weeks

Full Apartment Renovation

8–16 weeks

How can I maximize space and storage in a small apartment?

In short, through a detailed design process.

We first give you a "storage schedule" for you to document everything that is currently in your apartment to be sure that we've created a space for all of your belongings plus anything you're looking to add to your life.

Once we have accurate measurements of your space it becomes much easier to get the most functionality and storage out of your apartment.

Guiding NSW apartment owners to create build-ready renovations

Want to know the crucial first three steps in your apartment renovation journey?

We’ll give you access to our detailed online checklist, so you can kick-off your project with confidence.

Control your project and reduce costs.

"In what has become a confusing and unnecessarily complex process for Class 2 renovations, Scott was able to clearly explain the process and what’s required so I was able to work with my certifier myself."

Control costs by managing the process yourself

Connect with builders for a complete renovation experience

Get the result you want and live in a home you love

Let's chat, we'd love to hear what you've got going on.

News & Insights

Can You Renovate Your Bathroom Without Strata Approval?

The Design & Building Practitioners Act: What It Means for Your Apartment Renovation

Why We Focus on Smaller Renovations at TightKnit Building Design