Renovation by-laws
Renovations in units can increase the overall value of a building. When renovating in a building with neighbours in such close proximity, it is important to ensure you apply for Body Corporate approval first, so that short term impacts (noise, dirt from construction work and utility outages) are regulated and everyone in the building has plenty of notice to prepare for disruption.

The last thing anyone wants is for a 'surprise' jackhammer to start up during their Sunday morning coffee, or their important Thursday afternoon meeting. 

How long can it take to obtain Body Corporate approval?
By law, the committee has up to 6 weeks to consider a renovation application from a lot owner, and if more information is required, this time can be extended up to an additional 6 weeks.

Factor in this time when making your renovation application.

We always try and assist the committee to make decisions on proposed renovation applications earlier than the legal timeframes. However, you should still factor in at least 2-3 weeks.

Applying for approval to renovate

So, you have a copy of your "community management statement" (CMS) which contains the renovation by-laws for your building, so it's time to start preparing your application for Body Corporate approval.

Existing building plans
Did you know that a copy of the full architectural, structural, electrical and hydraulic plans may already be on your Body Corporate's records accessible on your building's online Strata Vault, ready for owners to access when they are considering renovating? 

We recommend you show your proposed contractors the renovation by-laws and the available building plans, and ask them to help you gather the documents you need, to make your application. 

Request a renovation application form
Email us at hello@thenuuco.com.au to request a copy of the renovation application for your building.

Prepare your renovation application
Put together all of your documents, including a copy of any renovation plans and specifications, and submit your application to the Committee by email: hello@thenuuco.com.au.

We will then submit your application and supporting documents to the committee to consider. The committee may ask for more details. If you have supplied all of the required information with your original application, the application can be considered much more quickly.

The committee will vote (by majority) whether to approve your application and if so, any conditions that will apply. Conditions will include full compliance with the building's renovation by-laws. Other conditions may require that you supply the Body Corporate with certificates from qualified contractors that specialised work such as plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, fire safety and structural work has been carried out in compliance with approved plans and specifications and any applicable National Construction Code performance requirements and Australian Standards.

Get a copy of the CMS containing the renovation by-laws for your building
Anyone can buy a copy of the CMS for any building in Queensland from the Queensland Titles Office (click HERE).

The (Nuu) Co's clients can download a copy of their CMS for free on their building's online Strata Vault which contains all of their Body Corporate's records.

Accessing your Body Corporate records

If you need another email invitation to log into Strata Vault, email us at hello@thenuuco.com.au with your name, lot number and building name to request another invitation link.

It's free to log in.