Apartment owners across Australia often plan a bathroom renovation that upgrades layout, waterproofing and fixtures, yet many forget how closely these projects interact with body corporate rules and common property protections. A typical renovation changes floors, plumbing routes or ventilation pathways, and these works often require approval before anything starts. Eternity Bathrooms designs and builds tailored renovation solutions, and we help you navigate these rules. Get in touch if you’d like guidance before starting your renovation project.
Understanding body corporate rules
Approvals ensure renovations protect common property and follow the scheme’s by-laws so every lot owner can renovate safely.
A body corporate sets by-law standards that manage safety, harmony and maintenance obligations across the stratum. These standards guide what a lot owner can change inside their lot and what needs approval when work could affect common property. Many internal renovations seem simple, yet waterproofing, plumbing risers and structural walls form part of the common property.
A bathroom renovation often reaches shared services. A contractor may remove tiles, adjust a floor level or work near fire-rated walls. These activities can affect the common property if not properly assessed. A body corporate must balance owner freedom with whole-building safety, and this is why approval is generally required. Consider a case where a contractor penetrates a slab without proper advice; this can trigger fire-rating issues.
Definition:
- By-law: A rule made by a body corporate to manage how owners use lots and common areas.
What approvals are required
Bathroom works usually need approval when they affect common property or involve waterproofing, drainage or structural changes.
Many renovations require body corporate approval because bathroom alterations typically reach shared infrastructure. The level of approval depends on whether the works are minor renovations or major renovations. A lot owner may update fixtures without a formal meeting, but structural work or changes to plumbing lines may need approval through a general meeting.
If improvements to the common property are involved, the type of approval escalates. Renovations may also require strata approval if waterproofing membranes extend into adjoining areas. When renovations require body corporate approval, owners need to obtain clear written approval before trades begin. A quick scenario: if you renovate your apartment and adjust the floor waste position, approval is needed because plumbing stacks may be impacted.
List of renovation types:
- Minor renovations: cosmetic changes, simple fixture swaps
- Major renovations: waterproofing, plumbing relocation, structural adjustments
- Improvements to the common property: slab cuts, drainage changes
The renovation approval process explained
Each scheme sets steps for how owners seek approval and what documents they submit.
The renovation approval process usually begins when a lot owner submits proposed renovations with plans, scope and licences. A body corporate committee, or the body corporate manager, reviews the documents and confirms whether a resolution at a general meeting is needed. Some projects require a resolution without dissent, especially where common property by a lot is involved.
Approval from the body corporate depends on whether the renovation aligns with by-law standards and does not affect the common property beyond acceptable limits. Owners need to seek approval early so the body corporate’s insurance is considered. Approval is needed when waterproofing could alter the building’s risk profile or the body corporate’s insurance premium.
Table: Typical steps in the approval process
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit plans | Include scope and licences |
| 2 | Committee review | Some works approved by the committee |
| 3 | General meeting | A resolution at a general meeting may apply |
| 4 | Written approval | Keep for your records |
Why do bathrooms need special assessment?
Bathroom works can affect common property and building waterproofing. Committees review whether the renovation fits by-law controls and whether the owner’s duties as an occupier are met.
What documents should I submit?
Most bodies corporate need drawings, trade licences, timelines and materials. Submitting a complete pack helps you avoid delays.
How long does approval take?
Approval timelines vary. Some schemes approve via committee within weeks; others require a general meeting.
How common property affects your renovation
Any work impacting shared structures requires additional scrutiny to protect building integrity.
A renovation that alters slabs, waterproofing membranes or vertical plumbing stacks can affect the common property or even form an improvement to the common property. Ordinary resolution at a general meeting may apply when intrusive works are proposed. When an owner may replace flooring, body corporate legislation may also need to be referenced to check acoustics.
A bathroom floor often connects to shared drainage. A quick scenario is when waterproofing membranes extend onto common property for the benefit of multiple lots. The body corporate first considers risk and the enjoyment of the improvement by neighbours.
Definition:
- Exclusive use area: A portion of common property designated for use by one lot owner.
Working with your body corporate manager
Managers guide owners through forms, by-laws and meetings to secure outcomes.
A body corporate manager helps clarify which renovations require approval, which renovations require body corporate approval and how to manage documents. If renovations may impact on common property, the manager guides owners through the approval process so the approval of the body corporate is obtained before trades start.
If an owner attempts renovations without prior approval, issues may arise. The body corp can require reversal of works. The owner of a lot should follow written procedures to help you avoid disputes. Body corporate management teams confirm whether development approval or building approval may also need consideration.
List: How a manager helps
- Confirms whether approval is required
- Guides by-law compliance
- Prepares meeting materials
- Helps lodge written approval
When this may not be the right fit
Some apartments restrict structural upgrades, waterproofing changes or improvements that may affect the common property too heavily. Schemes with older plumbing stacks can limit what renovations to lots can achieve without complex permissions. Renovations without clear boundaries can place risk on the body corporate’s insurance.
How to judge if you need this now or later
Timing depends on budgets, contractor availability and whether the renovation approval aligns with other building works. Owners need to assess whether the renovations align with waterproofing cycles or if approval may be required during peak meeting periods. A renovation project can start smoothly when you seek approval early and avoid holiday shutdowns.
Where this connects to broader strata planning
Bathroom works link with long-term strata property strategies, waterproofing renewal and asset planning. The body corporate community often reviews membranes building-wide, and starting your renovations during these cycles reduces disruption. Work that may affect the common property is easier when coordinated with neighbours.
