Do all bathroom renovations need strata committee approval? – Garry, NSW

I want to renovate a bathroom in my apartment . There will be no movement of plumbing but new tiling walls and floors and vanity etc. As this is all internal is it a matter that would require strata consent?

– Garry, NSW

Despite the renovations being on the interior of your lot, there are some aspects such as shared plumbing that mean your bathroom renovations need owners corporation approval. The NSW Fair Trading details that any minor or major renovations will require the approval of the strata committee before commencing.

Under minor renovations, it is specified that any replacement of hard floors (tiled, wood or other) requires approval. While under major renovations, it is specified that any waterproofing work (which will be inclusive in bathroom tiling) requires approval.

Given that your renovations may involve waterproofing, it should fall into the major renovations category. You should therefore make sure to check with your owners corporation before making any changes or contacting renovators.

For more information, here is an article that may interest you and another FAQ response on strata renovations.