So you’ve got the keys to your new apartment. Congratulations!
With your renovation plans in place, you’re ready to get started. You’ve looked up thousands of designs, you’ve done your research and called the contractors, you’ve negotiated the prices, and you’re just a step closer to creating your dream home.
But hold up. Did you read the fine print?
Most homeowners tend to overlook the finer details in their strata documents, which could lead to delays, additional approvals, or worst of all, disappointment.
Here are five surprising things most owners aren’t aware of in their strata plan.
- Your walls may not belong entirely to you.
That’s right. In many strata buildings, structural walls are considered common property, meaning renovations may require body corporate approval, engineering assessments, and sometimes even a special resolution.
That means whether you plan to install an air-conditioner, or create an open-plan layout, you may need the right approvals to make it happen.
- Your dream waterfall shower may just be a pipe dream.
Only if you haven’t done the right checks in place. The pipes within your walls may run through your apartment, but many owners aren’t aware that shared plumbing stacks, drainage systems, and other building services are often classified as common property.
This means renovations that affect plumbing or shared infrastructure may require committee approval before work begins.
- Carpet flooring may be so yesterday, but not acoustic underlay.
Before you start tap dancing on your brand new timber flooring, make sure you check your strata by-laws or renovation rules. Some buildings require acoustic underlay or committee approval when replacing carpet with hard flooring.
Because your neighbour downstairs deserves some peace too.
- “Your” courtyard isn’t actually yours.
The best part of owning a ground-floor apartment is the lovely private courtyard out front. Unlike your neighbours with their tiny balconies, you get the privilege of a wider space — perfect for hosting friends and family.
The only thing that could make it even better? Installing a pergola.