Prepare the bathroom scope and strata paperwork together.
A strata bathroom renovation benefits from an agreed approval process, a documented scope and clear arrangements for common property and site access.
Compare the Sydney cost planning guide, try the bathroom budget calculator and check illustrated bathroom styles as you shape your brief.
Request the scheme's current renovation process before commissioning the final design.
NSW guidance treats work involving waterproofing as a major renovation, with approval through the owners corporation.
Ask which plans, contractor details, insurance documents and by-law arrangements are needed for your proposal.
Have the appropriate professionals clarify responsibilities for affected common property.
Include working hours, lift bookings, building protection, shared water shutdowns and waste arrangements in the contractor's scope.
Each scheme's site requirements should be confirmed directly.
What to discuss in your brief
- A complete submission for the proposed works
- A clear record of approval and responsibilities
- Site arrangements agreed with the building
- A quote that reflects the documented scope
Build a clear scope of work
- Obtain the current by-laws and renovation process
- Prepare the required plans and contractor documents
- Confirm approvals before setting the construction start
- Coordinate access and shared services with the strata manager
Illustrative design, rather than a completed customer project.
Budget and timing
The planning allowance for this type of scope is $20,000 to $55,000.
Illustrative planning allowances in AUD, not measured market prices or a quote.
Confirm the scope, GST and actual price with the contractor.
Ask the renovator to price access, preparation, product selections and any specialist work for your property.
The indicative work window is 20 to 45 days, with design, approvals and ordering considered separately.
Illustrative construction allowance only.
Design, approvals, product supply and site conditions can change the programme.
Questions about strata bathroom
Can the strata committee approve every bathroom renovation?
The approval process depends on the work.
NSW guidance says major renovations, including changes requiring waterproofing, need owners corporation approval.
Are working hours the same in every strata building?
Confirm the hours and site conditions for your scheme and the relevant local requirements.
Ask the contractor to include them in the programme.
Does a strata project have a fixed extra cost?
Additional documentation, access arrangements or staging can affect a quote.
Ask for the actual costs associated with your building rather than a standard suburb premium.
How does the quote referral work?
I pass your project details to a local renovator who can discuss the work and arrange a quote.
The contractor confirms availability, scope, price and terms directly with you.
Checks before work begins
Use the Service NSW licence checker and ask the contractor to explain which licences and insurance apply to the work.
For a strata property, review the NSW renovation approval guidance with your strata manager.
Further reading
- NSW strata renovation rules
- Check a NSW builder or tradesperson licence
- NSW planning approval pathways
