How to apply for strata approval for bathroom works? (Bathroom | Building & Approvals)

If you live in an apartment or townhouse in Sydney and you’re planning a bathroom renovation, here’s the moment every owner eventually faces — strata approval. Yes, that mysterious process that feels a bit like trying to ask a very strict school teacher for permission to go on holiday.

And the big question?
“How do I actually apply for strata approval for bathroom works?”

Good news: the process is not as scary as it looks. Annoying sometimes? Yes. Slow? Often. But confusing? Not after you read this guide. Let’s break down the whole thing simply, clearly and in a very Sydney way.

1. First Things First: Why Do You Need Strata Approval for Bathroom Renovations?

Here’s the short version: bathrooms affect common property.

In strata buildings, anything involving:

• Waterproofing

• Plumbing

• Drainage

• Concrete slabs

• Ventilation

• Structural elements

• Fire rating

• Noise and vibration

• Waterproof membranes

…is usually considered common property, even if the bathroom is inside your lot.

Meaning: you can’t just knock out walls, drill into concrete, run new pipes or install waterproofing without the Owners Corporation giving you the green light (in writing, not a friendly verbal “yeah mate, should be fine” in the lift).

2. Understand Strata Approval Levels (Sydney Style)

Not all bathroom renovations are treated the same. Sydney strata buildings typically have three approval levels:

A) Minor Works (Cosmetic) — No Approval Needed

Examples:

• Replacing shower screen

• Installing new vanity (same location)

• Updating taps or mixers

• Painting walls

• Replacing bathroom accessories

Timeline: Instant

But anything beyond paint and accessories moves to…

B) Minor Renovation (Approval by Strata Committee)

Examples:

• Replacing tiles (without altering waterproof membrane)

• Installing new toilet (same location)

• Minor plumbing adjustments

• Upgrading lighting

Timeline: 2–6 weeks

C) Major Renovation (Approval by Full Owners Corporation at a General Meeting)

Examples:

• New waterproofing membrane

• Moving plumbing

• Jackhammering tiles affecting slab

• Relocating shower or toilet

• Cutting into concrete

• New ventilation systems

• Any drainage modification

Timeline: 4–12+ weeks
(Depends on when the next meeting is scheduled)

Bathroom renovations almost always fall into Level C — so prepare for the long route.

3. The Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Strata Approval

This is the part everyone gets confused about, so let’s keep it simple.

Step 1: Ask Strata for the “Renovation Application Requirements”

Every Sydney strata building has different rules. Some have a beautifully-prepared PDF; others give you a one-page form written back in the Nokia phone era.

Ask your Strata Manager for:

• Renovation by-laws

• Application form

• Requirements for bathroom upgrades

• Deadlines for submitting agenda items

• Meeting frequency

This is like asking for the recipe before you start cooking — it saves you from burning the kitchen.

Step 2: Prepare Your Required Documents

Strata wants certainty. They want to know:

• What you’re changing

• How it affects common property

• Whether it will cause noise, leaks or heritage issues

• Whether licensed professionals are involved

• Whether your neighbours’ ceiling will remain drip-free

Most strata buildings require:

A) Detailed scope of works
Include what you are doing, what you’re not doing, and the exact locations.

B) Drawings or layout plans
Even simple ones help the committee visualise changes.

C) Contractor licence details
Bathroom work in Sydney legally requires licensed plumbers, electricians and waterproofers. Strata won’t accept random handymen — they want real licences.

D) Trade insurances
Usually $10M–$20M public liability. Don’t submit expired ones (common mistake).

E) Waterproofing certificate and method statement
Strata is obsessed with waterproofing — and for good reason. One leak can turn the building into a waterfall.

F) Noise and access plan
Explain how you’ll manage loud works, rubbish removal, lift usage etc.

G) Timeline
Most strata wants to know when noisy works start and finish.

H) Compliance with by-laws
This is the “I have read the rules and I will behave” section.

If you supply all these from the start, your approval moves much faster. If you submit only half, strata will chase you… and that slows everything down.

Step 3: Submit Your Application to the Strata Manager

Send everything in one clean email. A messy “I’ll send the rest later” approach guarantees delays.

The Strata Manager reviews it first, making sure all documents are there before sending it to the committee.

If documents are missing, the entire process stalls like Sydney traffic on a rainy Monday.

Step 4: Wait for the Strata Committee or AGM/EGM Meeting

This is the part where patience becomes a personality trait.

Strata Committee Approval:
If it’s a minor renovation, the committee can approve it internally.
Timeline: 1–6 weeks

Full Owners Corporation (AGM/EGM):
Major bathroom works need a formal motion passed.
Timeline: 4–12+ weeks, depending on:

• Meeting dates

• Committee availability

• Whether an Extraordinary General Meeting must be arranged

• How many questions the committee has

Pro tip: If your building’s AGM is months away, request an EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting). Yes, it costs money — but sometimes it’s worth speeding things up.

Step 5: Receive Written Approval (Never Start Without It)

Once approved, strata will issue:

• A formal approval letter

• A by-law (for major works)

• Conditions of approval

Common bathroom renovation conditions include:

• Must use licensed and insured trades

• Must report all leaks immediately

• Must protect common areas during deliveries

• Must follow noise restrictions

• Must comply with NSW Fair Trading laws

• Must complete work within a set timeframe

Without written approval, you can be forced to stop work mid-renovation — not fun when your toilet is sitting in the hallway and your shower looks like a demolition zone.

4. Want Your Bathroom Strata Approval Faster? Do These Things

Sydney strata committees are not known for lightning speed, but you can help the process move faster:

• Submit everything in one complete bundle

• Use licensed, insured trades (strata loves this)

• Provide waterproofing documentation upfront

• Keep your renovation scope clear and simple

• Avoid overcomplicating plumbing relocation unless necessary

• Give strata a realistic timeline

• Always respond to queries quickly

• Communicate politely (yes, it matters)

A smooth applicant often gets a faster approval than someone who sends a dozen emails with missing attachments.

5. Common Mistakes That Delay Bathroom Strata Approval

These are the classics:

• Missing insurance certificates

• Vague renovation scope

• No drawings

• No waterproofing plan

• Contractor licences not provided

• Starting demolition before approval (major mistake!)

• Leaving documents until the deadline

• Forgetting concrete slab impact details

• Hoping strata won’t notice plumbing relocation

Sydney strata committees notice everything. They have radar senses for plumbing changes.

6. How Long Does the Whole Strata Approval Process Take?

Here’s the honest Sydney timeline overview:

• Simple cosmetic updates: 0 weeks

• Minor bathroom works: 2–6 weeks

• Major bathroom renovations: 4–12+ weeks

• Heritage or complex plumbing relocation: Up to 16 weeks

If your building only meets quarterly, add more time.

Renovating in a strata building is a game of preparation and patience. The better your documents, the faster you move through the system.

7. Final Word: Strata Approval Doesn’t Have to Be Painful

Applying for strata approval for bathroom works in Sydney may look complicated, but once you understand the steps, the process becomes surprisingly manageable.

The key is simple:

• Prepare documents properly

• Use licensed trades

• Follow the building’s by-laws

• Communicate clearly

Do that, and your approval can glide through smoothly — without drama, without surprises, and without the committee giving you those suspicious “Are you going to flood the building?” looks.

For more insights, guides and renovation help, you can visit www.mb9.com.au to learn about kitchen, bathroom and whole-house renovation services.