Building compliance
Building compliance
Find answers for issues with unexpected building costs, property insurance, managing building defects, and more
Do I have to take down a deck built without committee or body corporate approval? – Joan, QLD
We have erected a small deck in our small back yard we have exclusive use of it. It is within council …
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 …
What are strata property rules regarding noise ratings on hard floors? – Zara, NSW
What are the NSW rules for strata plans regarding noise ratings on hard floors. I am thinking about replacing my very …
My spa application has been knocked back. Should I proceed to the tribunal? – Therese, NSW
Your spa application will require certain approvals. The NSW Office of Fair Trading details that any minor or major renovations will …
My neighbour refuses to share the insurance costs in our 1×2 duplex and this is affecting my insurance. What are my options? – Helen, NSW
I live in a 1×2 duplex in a strata title. My neighbour won’t go half’s in insurance, as he says can’t …
My apartment unit and bathroom have had rising damp issues for some years now due to lack of a membrane. Do I pay for a replacement toilet/vanity/door/ceiling, etc. when this is not a cosmetic renovation but a major renovation? – Tracey, NSW
I have an ongoing issue with rising/falling damp in my unit (on lower ground floor of building over 100 years old). …
I’ve been told by my strata manager that putting a splashback in my kitchen represents a major renovation. Is this right? – Frank, NSW
Depending on what kind of changes you’re planning to make, what kind of splashbacks you’re looking to use and how this …
The ceilings and walls of my top floor apartment have damage from water ingress through the roof. The ceilings and walls of my top floor apartment have damage from water ingress through the roof. Who should cover the costs of rectification? – Anton, VIC
I’ve a top floor apartment on the 3rd floor where I have been living for the past 20 years. My ceilings …
How to lodge a complaint against a strata manager for carrying out installation work on the property without owners corporation approval or due procedure? – Colin, NSW
How do I officially lodge a complaint about a strata manager who has approved payment (expenditure), for a large and expensive …
Are there any laws related to an owner taking videos of other residents who are on common property such as the pool area or car park, without their knowledge? – Merryl, VIC
This appears to be a case of invasion of privacy and therefore could be a civil matter. We recommend that you …
Who is responsible for installing and paying for a waterproof membrane in a leaking shower recess in a property built before waterproof membranes were required under the BCA? – Marilyn, NSW
In New South Wales, waterproofing is categorised as a major renovation work. Also, walls and shared plumbing are generally part of …
In an apartment unit with two bedrooms and one bathroom, is it possible to add an additional toilet? – Nishant, NSW
This addition will be classed as a major renovation as the waterproofing will be disrupted in the bathroom. A by-law for …
What sort of permission do I need to install solar panels above my unit? – Mark, NSW
Any change in appearance of a lot requires permission from the owners corporation. This is done by having a special by-law …
Until recently the stairwells were cleaned once a month. To save money this was voted out two years ago and I slipped and fell in the stairwell. My concern is keeping the stairwells in a clean and safe state. – Janice, QLD
Hello Janice, as stated, cancelling the cleaning service was due to costs, our suggestion would be to ask what the block …
How often are strata buildings supposed to get a fire alarm safety check? – Virginia, NSW
There are a two factors that come into play when answering your query. They depend on the type of fire alarms …