Major Renovations Guidelines

The Owners Corporation supports residents who wish to modernise and improve their apartments, while ensuring compliance with building standards, strata legislation, and the amenity of all residents.

These guidelines also reflect updated compliance requirements under NSW building legislation, including the Design and Building Practitioners (DBP) framework, to better manage risk and protect all owners.

1. Purpose

All renovation works must comply with:

  • The Pines Consolidated By-Laws (April 2022)
  • Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW)
  • Building Code of Australia (BCA)
  • Applicable Australian Standards
  • Approved acoustic and flooring requirements

Renovations must not adversely affect:

  • Common property
  • Structural integrity
  • Waterproofing systems
  • Building services
  • The amenity of other residents

2. Approval Framework

2.1 Cosmetic Renovations

Examples include:

  • Painting
  • Replacing cabinetry
  • Installing carpet

Approval Required:
✔ Strata Committee approval only
✘ Owners Corporation approval not required

2.2 Major Renovations

Includes:

  • Structural changes
  • Waterproofing works
  • Timber or hardwood flooring
  • Changes affecting common property
  • Works exceeding 7 consecutive days

Approval Required:

  • Owners Corporation approval via special resolution
  • An EGM may be required

Where an existing by-law already authorises works, approval may be delegated to the Strata Committee.

2.3 DBP Compliance Requirements

For Major Renovations, and any works involving waterproofing, structure, or building services:

  • Works must comply with applicable NSW building legislation, including DBP requirements
  • Appropriately licensed and (where required) registered practitioners must be engaged
  • The following may be required:
    • Design documentation demonstrating compliance with the Building Code of Australia
    • Evidence of contractor licences, registration, and insurance
    • Compliance declarations and certificates upon completion

Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be approved.

3. Hardwood & Timber Flooring

All installations must:

  • Be completed by licensed contractors
  • Meet acoustic standards (maximum 53 dB impact noise)
  • Include approved acoustic underlay
  • Allow slab inspection if required

Approval:

  • Owners Corporation approval required if a new by-law is needed
  • Otherwise, Strata Committee approval may be sufficient

Owners are responsible for:

  • Acoustic compliance
  • Any damage caused
  • Future rectification if required

4. Protection of Common Property

All contractors must:

  • Protect lifts, corridors, and foyers
  • Remove protection at the end of each workday
  • Clean affected common areas daily

✔ No additional approval required

5. Contractor Vehicle Restrictions

  • No parking on common property
  • No obstruction of driveways or accessways

6. Noise Management

  • Minimum 48 hours written notice required
  • Work restricted to approved weekday hours
  • No work on weekends or public holidays (unless approved)

7. Wet Area & Waterproofing Works

All bathroom, kitchen, and laundry renovations must:

  • Be completed by licensed tradespersons
  • Include compliant waterproofing systems
  • Comply with applicable standards and building regulations

Owners must provide:

  • Waterproofing certification
  • Relevant compliance certificates
  • Additional documentation where required for compliance

Approval:

  • Owners Corporation approval required if common property is affected
  • Strata Committee approval sufficient if works are wholly within the lot

Owner Responsibility:

  • Any waterproofing failure
  • Damage to other lots or common property
  • Ongoing maintenance and repair

8. Inspections

For renovation works exceeding 4 weeks:

  • Interim inspections may be conducted to ensure compliance

For higher-risk works (e.g. waterproofing):

  • Inspections may be required at key stages (e.g. prior to tiling)

Additional approval is only required where new by-laws are needed.

9. Important Notes for Residents

  • Failure to obtain proper approvals may result in work being stopped
  • Owners are responsible for any damage caused by renovations
  • Non-compliant work may require rectification at the owner’s cost
  • The Owners Corporation may recover costs associated with damage or non-compliance

10. Before You Start

Please submit your renovation proposal to the Strata Committee for review before commencing any works.

Applications should include sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with these guidelines and applicable regulations.

11. Why These Guidelines Matter

These guidelines help:

  • Protect the building’s structure, waterproofing, and long-term performance
  • Reduce noise and disruption to neighbours
  • Ensure fairness and consistency across all renovations
  • Minimise the risk of defects and costly repairs affecting all owners
  • Reduce the workload on the volunteer strata committee through clear, consistent processes

They also support the Pines’ strategy of using structured processes and technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

PINES MAJOR RENNOVATION GUIDELINES