Renovating your Apartment

These are exciting times. You’ve just got the keys to your new apartment or you are thinking it is a time for refresh. You're brimming with ideas on how to personalise or update your space. It’s worth taking a breath first to consider what’s possible and how to maximise the effect you want within your budget and By-Laws. 

Renovating an apartment has different considerations to renovating a standalone home. Shared spaces and neighbours need to be considered and although cosmetic changes don't need council approval you might still have to deal with Council, your Body Corporate and abide by the rules of your own apartment complex.

Understand the Rules

There will be limitations to what you can do to your apartment and the best place to start is to review the Strata By-laws for your complex. These rules are put in place to protect all the owners to ensure everyone’s safety and privacy. Certain structural alterations will need the approval of your Body Corporate and possibly council. You will likely also have to get their permission, and that of the council, for projects like adding shutters or altering external paint colours. 

Alterations That Need Approval

Knocking down walls, relocating internal plumbing and changing floors could all have a major impact on your neighbours and the building itself. Here’s a list of some of the renovations for which you’re likely to need approval and the reasons why they need signing off:

• Changes to flooring must meet soundproofing standards

• Bathroom renovations must maintain adequate waterproofing and plumbing

• The removal of internal walls mustn’t affect the complex’s structural integrity

• Certain kitchen alterations cannot adversely impact other apartments

• Major electrical changes must not create capacity issues for the complex

Bear in mind that getting approval for major renovations can take time and money. You may also have to adjust your expectations if By-laws or house rules prevent you from carrying out the work exactly as you’d hoped. 

Keeping Things Simple

Sometimes minor cosmetic changes can have a major impact on how a home looks. An accent wall or changing kitchen cupboard doors can make a world of difference. Here are some of the things you can get stuck into straight away without external approval:

•              Repainting or wallpapering internal walls

•              Adding custom joinery and changing wardrobe doors

•              Installing new internal lights and bathroom taps

•              Updating knobs and handles in the kitchen

•              Arranging some favourite furniture and adding new stylish pieces

•              Putting up new window furnishings provided they meet By-laws related to colour

Consider the Neighbours

If your heart is set on carrying major changes, spare a thought for those living around you. No matter how well-intentioned you are, any work you undertake is likely to disrupt the lives of your neighbours. Keep them informed.  People are very forgiving if they know you’ve taken the time to let them know when, why and for how long any work is likely to take.

Stockwell Living is always here to help and advise you on how to get the most from your Brisbane home. In fact, we offer a service to undertake straightforward improvements like internal painting or replacing carpet. The benefit to you is that we can manage the entire process, knowing the rules and already have access to an established group of reliable tradespeople. Simply contact your building manager to find out more. You can also find lots more useful apartment-related articles here in our news section.