Mr & Mrs Elias specialise in architectural apartment renovations across Sydney, delivering considered design and expertly managed construction.
We believe every renovation should reflect the way you live, balancing design integrity, functionality and longevity.
Our integrated team of architects, designers and specialist home renovation builders in Sydney guides each project from initial concept through to completion and aftercare, simplifying what can otherwise be a complex process. With deep experience in Class 2 and strata environments, we understand the nuances of apartment living and design spaces that feel refined and enduring.
To learn more about how we work, explore our process or view our latest projects.
Understanding what’s required before renovating your apartment
Renovating an apartment in Sydney involves more than considered design and construction – it also requires a clear understanding of strata approval and by-laws. Apartment renovations take place within shared buildings, which means common property, structural changes, building services and noise must all be carefully managed.
As a design and construct firm specialising exclusively in apartment renovations across Sydney, we guide clients through the process when renovating an apartment. This includes managing strata approval, coordinating engineers and certifiers, and preparing documentation. Our role is to ensure your apartment renovation is compliant, efficient and well coordinated from the outset.
The following outlines key considerations when renovating an apartment in NSW.
When strata approval is required
Strata approval is typically required for apartment renovations that affect the building, its services or neighbouring apartments.
Renovations that impact common property
Common property generally includes structural elements and shared services. Strata approval is typically required when apartment renovations involve:
- Drilling into concrete slabs, ceilings or structural walls
- Altering plumbing, electrical or ventilation systems
- Bathroom renovations, where waterproofing forms part of common property
- Installing, relocating or upgrading air conditioning systems
- External changes such as windows, doors or façade elements
Noise-generating works
Renovating an apartment often involves works that generate noise, including demolition, floor removal or structural modifications. These apartment renovations require approval and must comply with strata by-laws relating to work hours and noise restrictions.
Structural or major apartment renovations
If your apartment renovation includes structural works approval from the owners corporation is required before work begins.
Types of apartment renovations and approval requirements
Cosmetic works — no approval required
Cosmetic apartment renovations generally do not affect common property. Examples include:
- Painting internal walls
- Installing picture hooks
- Updating internal cabinetry hardware
Even with cosmetic works, it is important to review your strata by-laws before renovating an apartment.
Minor renovations — general resolution approval
Minor apartment renovations usually require approval by a simple majority vote at a general meeting. These may include:
- Installing new flooring
- Kitchen renovations without relocating services
- Removing non-load-bearing walls
- Minor internal layout changes
Major renovations — special resolution and registered by-law
Major apartment renovations require a special resolution (75% approval) and often a registered by-law. These include:
- Bathroom renovations involving waterproofing
- Structural modifications
- Changes affecting common property
- Layout reconfigurations
- External alterations, including windows
- Relocating wet areas