According to a report, nearly 75% of Sydney’s population resides in strata-regulated buildings, and the number is likely to increase with the growing population. By 2030, the city is expected to have 61,000 more strata-regulated dwellings, housing about half its population. With such density, you can expect several disputes affecting the residents and managers of these dwellings. Luckily, laws and by-laws are there to protect their rights.
If you own a residential unit in a strata building and looking to renovate, you must be cautious. Do you know nearly 38% of strata disputes result due to renovations in an individual unit? You can avoid being one of them by following the laws stringently and working with an experienced structural engineer in Sydney.
A structural engineering firm has experience, knowledge, and resources to help with the renovation projects, including a major revamping of the kitchen, rooms, or any structural job. Here’s how they can help.
Following the Strata Laws
Whether you want to renovate a newly-bought unit or your existing home, Sydney has strict strata dwellers regulations. The laws framed by the NSW Fair Trading regulate every new construction and renovation project in the city.
Every strata-regulated building has an Owners Corporation, entrusted with approving any minor, major, or cosmetic renovation in any unit. This is to prevent inconvenience to your neighbours, changes to the building’s appearance, or damages to common areas.
Sydney has additional noise restrictions that require power tools to cease operations from 8 PM-7 AM on weekdays plus Saturdays, and 8 PM-8 AM on Sundays and holidays. It is essential to know about these regulations to follow them and avoid penalties if any damage occurs to the building’s structural integrity. A structural engineer in Sydney can help because they understand the strata laws and by-laws applicable to your scheme.
Managing the Communications
You need to draft a by-law before a renovation project in Sydney, especially if it involves major transformations or repairs. For example, suppose you want to renovate your bathroom, and the new changes may affect the existing waterproofing. In that case, you need a by-law to establish your responsibility for structural damages, if any. It requires 75% of unit owners to pass the by-laws via a special resolution at a general meeting.
To pass the by-laws, you’ll have to present a professional project report stating the scope of work, details about the structural engineering firm handling it, and a renovation application form. An expert structural engineer can manage this by providing detailed Capabilities and Work Scope statements. Also, they will speak with your council members from the start to streamline the processes.
Handling the Renovations
Once you have approvals and plans, actual work starts. Every renovation project has different challenges. Hence, work with structural engineers, architects, and designers with proper experience.
In Sydney, the renovations in strata dwellings are divided into major, minor, or cosmetic work. Except for the cosmetic work, it is essential to follow by-laws in the rest of the projects, from installing new flooring to waterproofing or changes in awnings.
North Sydney (31,000), LGAs of Sydney (73,486), Parramatta (30,000), Willoughby, and Strathfield have the highest numbers of strata buildings. If you reside in any of these locations and are looking for a structural renovation in your unit, contact a company service in your region for accessibility, faster process, and convenience.
