If you’ve ever tried renovating a bathroom in a Sydney apartment, you already know the real challenge isn’t finding the perfect tiles or choosing between matte black or brushed nickel taps.

No… the real boss battle is strata approval — and avoiding delays that make your renovation feel like waiting for a late train on the T9 line.

The good news? Approval delays can be avoided. But only if you know exactly how the Sydney strata system works, what documents they want, and how to speak the secret language of committees, certifiers and by-laws.

Let’s break it down clearly, simply, and with enough humour to keep you sane while you navigate the paperwork jungle.

1. Understand Why Strata Delays Happen — And Crush Them Before They Start

Strata delays are not random. They come from predictable causes:

• Missing documents

• Unclear renovation scope

• No waterproofing plan

• No contractor licence proof

• Half-finished drawings

• Incorrect by-law type

• Lack of engineering reports

• Poor communication with strata

• Late submission before a meeting

• Noisiest trades booked before approval

Avoiding delays starts with understanding these pain points — then eliminating them before they happen.

Think of it like preparing ingredients before cooking: if you chop everything first, dinner comes out faster. If not… chaos.

2. Get Your Documents Perfect Before You Submit Anything

Sydney strata committees LOVE documentation. The more complete, clear, and professional it looks, the faster your application moves.

Here’s what you should always prepare in advance:

A) Detailed Scope of Works

Describe the renovation in plain, clear language:

• What you are changing

• What you are not touching

• Whether plumbing is moving

• How waterproofing is being handled

Strata hates “grey zone” scopes. The clearer the scope, the quicker the approval.

B) Floor Plan and Elevation Drawings

Even simple drawings help strata understand your renovation.
If you relocate the shower, change drainage or alter wall positions — drawings are mandatory.

Bad drawings = long delays.
Good drawings = quick approval.

C) Trades Licence & Insurance Certificates

Sydney apartment buildings want:

• Builder’s licence

• Plumber’s licence

• Electrician’s licence

• Waterproofer’s licence

• Public liability insurance (usually $10M–$20M)

Don’t submit licences that expired last month — strata will send it back faster than a return-to-sender parcel.

D) Waterproofing Method Statement

This is the golden ticket.
Strata committees absolutely obsess over waterproofing because one tiny leak can flood the whole building like a mini Niagara Falls.

Include:

• Type of membrane

• Brand

• Number of coats

• Cure times

• Warranty coverage

If you don’t supply this upfront, you will face delays. Guaranteed.

E) Noise & Access Management Plan

Strata wants reassurance that:

• You won’t jackhammer during 6am yoga hours

• The lift won’t be blocked for deliveries

• Trades follow the building’s rules

A simple plan shows you’re responsible — and that wins approval points.

3. Submit Your Application Early — Don’t Play Strata Roulette

Most Sydney apartment buildings only meet:

• Once a month for the committee

• Once a year for the AGM

If your renovation needs Major Works approval, it might require:

• An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), OR

• Waiting for the next AGM (which can be months away)

To avoid delays:

• Submit your application before the next meeting agenda closes

• Confirm dates with your Strata Manager

• Ask deadlines for submitting motions

One missed deadline can push approval back an entire month — or more.

4. Use Licensed Trades Only — Strata Moves Faster When They See Professionals

Sydney strata committees instantly slow down when they see:

• Handymen

• Unlicensed plumbers

• Unknown operators with no insurance

• “My friend can do the waterproofing, trust me bro”

To avoid delays, make sure your team is:

• Fully licensed

• Fully insured

• Experienced with apartment renovations

• Able to provide compliance certificates

Strata will not approve your renovation until they are confident you won’t turn the building into a burst-pipe horror movie.

5. Don’t Hide Plumbing or Layout Changes — Be Honest and Clear

Nothing slows down approval faster than committee members spotting something you didn’t mention.

If you intend to move:

• Toilets

• Showers

• Drains

• Bathtubs

• Vanities

…say so upfront.

Strata can detect plumbing relocation like dogs smell bacon. They will ask. And if they discover it late, expect long delays.

Clear honesty → faster approval.
Hidden info → guaranteed slowdown.

6. Get Your By-Law Drafted Before Submitting the Application

For major bathroom works, most strata schemes require a special by-law.

This by-law covers:

• Waterproofing responsibility

• Future maintenance obligations

• Work zone rules

• Common property protection

• Liability arrangements

If you don’t supply the by-law, strata will ask for it — causing a delay of multiple weeks.

Many apartment owners prepare the by-law only after strata asks for it, which doubles the waiting time.

Avoid delays by:

• Getting the by-law drafted early

• Submitting it together with your documents

• Asking the Strata Manager if the building already has a standard renovation by-law

One clean package = fast approval.

7. Communicate Politely and Professionally — Committees Approve Faster for Cooperative Owners

This one might sound silly, but it’s true:
Nice applicants get faster approvals.

Here’s why:

• Committee members are volunteers

• They deal with tons of emails

• They appreciate clear, respectful communication

• They respond faster to organised, polite people

If you come in hot, demanding instant approval, they’ll put your file at the bottom of the pile.

A little friendliness goes a long way in Sydney apartment living.

8. Schedule Your Trades AFTER Approval — Not Before

One of the biggest mistakes Sydney homeowners make is:

• Booking trades first

• Trying to rush strata later

This always backfires.

Strata can sense stress and urgency — and the more rushed you seem, the more carefully they review your submission.

Trades booked too early lead to:

• Rescheduling fees

• Cancellation fees

• Stress

• Unnecessary pressure

Avoid delays by planning trades after approval (or booking trades with flexible start dates).

9. Provide Everything in One Clean Submission — Not 10 Messy Emails

Sydney strata managers receive mountains of daily emails.
If your application arrives in pieces, it's almost guaranteed something gets lost.

Send one clean, organised package containing:

• Scope

• Plans

• Licences

• Insurance

• Waterproofing documentation

• By-law (if needed)

• Noise plan

• Access plan

• Work schedule

• Contact details

A tidy submission looks professional — and gets processed faster.

10. Follow The Building’s Noise, Lift and Access Rules Exactly

Strata committees want to know your renovation won’t cause chaos in the building.
Follow the rules and you'll get approval quickly. Break the rules and you'll end up on their “watch list”.

Be strict with:

• Quiet hours

• Use of lift protection blankets

• Rubbish disposal procedures

• Delivery times

• Common area cleanliness

Showing respect for the building reduces resistance and boosts approval speed.

11. The Golden Formula for Zero Delays

If you want the fastest possible approval, follow this proven Sydney formula:

**(Complete Documents)

• (Licensed Trades)

• (Early Submission)

• (Clear Communication)

• (Respect for By-laws)
  = Fast, Smooth Approval**

People who follow this formula often get approvals in:
👉 2–6 weeks
Others who ignore these steps… wait months.

12. Final Summary: How to Avoid Approval Delays for Apartment Bathroom Renovations

Here’s the simple truth:

Renovating a bathroom in a Sydney apartment is not hard —
but getting strata approval can be slow if you’re not organised.

To avoid delays:

• Prepare all documents early

• Submit everything in one complete package

• Use licensed, insured trades

• Provide waterproofing details upfront

• Get your by-law drafted before submission

• Be honest about all plumbing changes

• Communicate politely and clearly

• Respect strata deadlines and meeting cycles

Do these things and your approval process becomes surprisingly smooth — no drama, no surprises, no sudden “sorry, we need more info” emails.

For more renovation guidance, design ideas and Sydney-specific renovation tips, visit www.mb9.com.au to learn more about kitchen, bathroom and whole-house renovation services.