Skip to content
Book a Discovery Call
All posts

A Guide for Strata Managers Dealing with Apartment Renovation Works

Picture of Scott Pearse By  Scott Pearse  ·  2 minute read

What Should Be in an Apartment  Renovation Application?

If you manage a strata scheme, you’ve likely dealt with your fair share of renovation requests - some formal, others scribbled in an email, and a few that come after the fact (“Oh, by the way, we took that wall out…”).

While many of these works fall under Exempt Development, that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free - or that strata can afford to rubber-stamp them without review.

Even for exempt work, you still need a clear, complete, and compliant renovation application. Not only does this help you make informed approvals, but it also protects the building, the common property, and everyone involved from messy consequences down the track.

Here’s what we recommend you ask for before giving a renovation the green light.

✅ The Strata Manager's Renovation Application Checklist

1. A Clear Scope of Works

At minimum, the owner should provide a written description of:

  • What is being renovated (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, flooring)

  • What’s being added, removed, or relocated

  • Whether any walls, fixtures, or services (plumbing, electrical) are affected

Tip: Ask “What is staying the same?” and “What is changing?” - this forces clarity.

2. Architectural Plans - That Should Be Prepared by a Registered Design Practitioner

Owners should provide:

  • Existing layout plans

  • Proposed layout plans

  • Dimensions of walls, fixtures, and fittings

  • Clear indication of any demolition or relocation

While exempt development doesn’t require a registered design practitioner under the Design & Building Practitioners Act, having plans prepared by one significantly reduces risk. They understand the regulatory framework, how to spot hidden compliance issues, and how to design within the limits of exempt development.

Plans should be to scale (typically 1:50 or 1:100), legible, and complete enough to inform proper strata assessment.

3. Confirmation That the Work is Exempt Development

The application should include:

  • A short written statement confirming the work is exempt under the SEPP (Exempt and Complying Development Codes)

  • Reference to the relevant clause

If the owner can’t provide this, you may wish to request a review from a professional who can confirm the status - this is where we can help.

4. Details of Licensed Trades or Contractors

This should include:

  • Builder, plumber, electrician names and licence numbers

  • Whether waterproofing is involved (which must be done by a licensed tradesperson)

This helps strata ensure the work is being carried out responsibly and by the right people.

5. Insurance and Certificates (Where Applicable)

Depending on the work, it’s appropriate to ask for:

  • Home Building Compensation cover (if value >$20k and done by a builder)

  • Certificates of currency for public liability or strata insurer notifications

  • Waterproofing or electrical compliance certificates post-completion

While not all of these are mandatory for exempt works, requesting them shows due diligence.

6. Acknowledgement of Common Property Impacts

Even under exempt development, if the renovation affects:

  • Slab penetrations

  • Waterproofing membranes

  • External walls

  • Plumbing stacks

…it may involve common property. This should trigger:

  • A by-law request

  • Specialist review

  • More formal strata approval

It’s critical not to rely solely on an owner’s assurance that the work “won’t affect common property.” A second opinion is worth it.

Why This Matters for Strata Managers

Poorly documented renovations can lead to:

  • Insurance claims being rejected

  • Disputes with neighbours or future owners

  • Costly rectification of waterproofing or fire safety issues

Even when development is exempt, compliance and documentation still matter.

When you require a thorough application package, you’re protecting:

  • The building’s integrity

  • The owners corporation’s interests

  • Yourself as the manager from future complaints

How We Can Help

At TightKnit Building Design, we offer exempt development design reviews for strata managers who want peace of mind before signing off on a reno.

We:
✔ Review plans and scope
✔ Confirm whether work is exempt
✔ Flag common property risks
✔ Help the owner prepare a compliant package

If you’d like a checklist you can send to lot owners, or want us to take care of the review, we’d be happy to help.

Get in touch or forward this post to your committee.