Question: I’d like to replace the shower screen in my old apartment. Does the work require committee approval?
My unit in our 30 year old block has an original bathroom. I can’t afford a bathroom renovation, but I want to replace the old 3-panel sliding shower screen with a new semi-frameless screen.
Would this be classified as a minor renovation? Does the work require strata committee approval? Are there any additional requirements I should know of?
Answer: The approval requirement depends on how the new shower screen is being installed.
The approval requirement depends on how the new shower screen is installed. If the existing shower door tracks are left in place or the proposed works do not disturb the tiling and waterproof membrane underneath, then yes, this would be classified as minor works. An approval via a strata committee meeting of at least 51% of votes cast would suffice.
However, the moment the tiles, shower tray or waterproofing membrane is removed or affected, the works would be deemed a major renovation which requires approval at a general meeting of the owners corporation, and a special resolution (at least 75% of votes cast) is required to approve the works.
Remember to provide the plans of the works, including the date and times of work, as well as the licence and insurance details of your installer or contractor to ensure you have recourse in the event of a mishap. Otherwise, you may be held liable for any corrective/restorative action required under Section 120 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. All renovation works undertaken by the lot are ultimately the responsibility of the lot owner to repair and maintain.
Something else to note for renovation requests is that any strata scheme registered before 1 July 1974 may not be subject to the current renovation work approval requirements, as the lot and common property boundaries are different.
This post appears in the December 2024 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.
Wenna Wu
STRATA EVOLUTION
E. Wennaw@strataevolution.com.au
P: 1300 819 677
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