How to obtain strata insurance coverage during bathroom works? (Bathroom | Building & Approvals)

Renovating a bathroom in a Sydney apartment can be exciting — a new shower, modern tiles, and updated fixtures can completely transform your living space. But if you don’t handle strata insurance coverage properly during renovations, a simple leak or accidental damage could turn your dream renovation into a costly nightmare.

Strata insurance protects both individual owners and the building as a whole. When doing bathroom works in a strata building, understanding your responsibilities and taking proactive steps is essential to ensure coverage remains valid throughout the renovation process.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain and maintain strata insurance coverage during bathroom renovations in Sydney, including practical steps, common pitfalls, and tips for a smooth process.

1. Understand strata insurance basics

In NSW, all strata schemes must have insurance for the building under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. Coverage typically includes:

• Building insurance: Covers the physical structure, including walls, ceilings, floors, and fixed fixtures.

• Public liability insurance: Protects the owners corporation if someone is injured in a common area.

• Voluntary works insurance: Sometimes used for additional renovations or improvements within individual units.

When renovating a bathroom, it is crucial to understand that any damage caused to common property or neighbouring units may not be covered if insurance conditions are not met. Sydney strata managers are very strict about this because even a small leak can affect multiple apartments.

2. Notify the strata committee

Before starting any bathroom works:

1. Submit a formal renovation application to the strata committee, detailing your renovation plans.

2. Include information on tradespeople, licenses, materials, and schedules.

3. Specify any works that might affect common property, including plumbing, electrical, or structural elements.

Notifying the strata ensures that:

• The committee is aware of your project.

• Insurance coverage can remain valid during the works.

• Any conditions imposed by the strata, such as using licensed trades or limiting access to common areas, are clear.

Sydney strata buildings often require formal approval for any works affecting fire safety, waterproofing, or plumbing systems. Failing to notify the committee may invalidate your insurance.

3. Use licensed tradespeople

One of the most common reasons strata insurance is voided during renovations is the use of unlicensed contractors. In NSW:

• Plumbers, waterproofers, and electricians must hold a current license for their trade.

• Only licensed trades can issue Certificates of Compliance for their work.

Hiring licensed trades ensures that:

• The work meets Australian Standards and NSW Building Code requirements.

• Certificates of compliance can be provided to strata and insurers.

• The building remains legally and safely insured throughout the renovation.

4. Confirm coverage with your insurer or strata manager

Before starting the renovation, check:

• Whether your strata insurance automatically covers renovations within your lot.

• Any exclusions for damage caused by unlicensed trades, leaks, or accidental damage.

• Requirements for temporary coverage if works involve high-risk activities (e.g., demolition, structural modifications, or plumbing alterations).

Sydney strata managers typically require proof that all trades are licensed and insured. Request written confirmation from your strata insurance provider that coverage is valid during the bathroom works.

5. Maintain documentation

During renovations, keeping clear records is crucial:

• Copies of all Certificates of Compliance (plumbing, waterproofing, electrical).

• Trade licenses for all contractors working on your bathroom.

• Strata approvals, correspondence, and any conditions imposed.

• Photos of the works before, during, and after completion.

Having thorough documentation ensures that if a claim is ever required, insurers and strata managers can verify that all works were completed according to standards.

6. Follow strata-approved renovation conditions

Strata approvals often include conditions designed to protect insurance coverage:

• Work must be carried out by licensed trades.

• Only approved materials may be used for waterproofing and plumbing.

• Access to common property must be supervised.

• Noise, dust, and debris management protocols must be followed.

• Critical inspections must be completed before covering walls or tiles.

Failure to comply with these conditions can result in insurance being voided for any damage caused during the renovation. Sydney strata committees take these conditions seriously, especially for multi-level buildings where water damage or fire risk can impact multiple units.

7. Schedule inspections at critical stages

Certain stages in bathroom renovations require inspection to maintain insurance validity:

• Pre-waterproofing inspection: Confirms substrate and membrane readiness.

• Post-waterproofing inspection: Verifies correct installation and integrity.

• Plumbing and electrical inspection: Ensures systems are safe and compliant.

• Final inspection: Confirms all works meet council, BCA, and strata standards.

Sydney strata managers or private certifiers often require evidence of these inspections to validate insurance coverage during and after works.

8. Temporary insurance coverage for high-risk works

If your bathroom renovation involves risky works such as:

• Altering structural walls

• Modifying shared plumbing or drainage

• Installing electrical systems in wet areas

…you may need temporary or additional insurance. Some strata schemes arrange this automatically; others require owners to obtain coverage.

Steps to secure temporary coverage:

1. Inform the strata manager of the works.

2. Provide a detailed risk assessment.

3. Supply licenses and insurance details of all tradespeople.

4. Request confirmation from the strata insurer that coverage applies during the renovation period.

This step is particularly important in Sydney high-rise apartments, where a small leak can affect multiple floors.

9. Maintain communication during the renovation

Proactive communication with your strata committee ensures:

• Immediate reporting of any incidents, leaks, or accidental damage.

• Quick resolution if issues arise, reducing the chance of denied insurance claims.

• Confidence that your project is progressing in accordance with strata and NSW requirements.

Keeping trades, certifiers, and strata managers in the loop also ensures insurance coverage remains active throughout the project.

10. Submit Certificates of Compliance upon completion

Once the bathroom renovation is complete:

• Provide all Certificates of Compliance to the strata manager, including plumbing, waterproofing, and electrical works.

• Include copies of any critical stage inspections.

• Ensure that all documents confirm works were completed by licensed professionals.

Submitting these documents protects your coverage, ensures compliance, and serves as proof for insurance or future claims.

11. Common pitfalls Sydney homeowners face

1. Starting renovations without notifying strata — coverage may be voided if damage occurs.

2. Using unlicensed trades — NSW law requires licensed contractors for plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing work.

3. Ignoring strata conditions — failure to comply may result in denied insurance claims.

4. Incomplete documentation — missing Certificates of Compliance can delay validation of coverage.

5. Neglecting high-risk works — structural, electrical, or plumbing modifications may require additional temporary insurance.

6. Poor communication — failure to report incidents promptly may compromise coverage.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your renovation remains fully insured, legal, and safe.

12. Key takeaways for Sydney bathroom renovations

1. Notify your strata committee before starting works.

2. Use licensed tradespeople and obtain Certificates of Compliance.

3. Confirm insurance coverage with your strata manager or insurer.

4. Maintain documentation of all approvals, inspections, and licenses.

5. Follow all strata-imposed conditions during renovation.

6. Schedule critical stage inspections to validate work.

7. Provide certificates to strata upon completion to ensure ongoing coverage.

Following these steps ensures that your bathroom renovation in Sydney is fully compliant, safe, and covered by strata insurance, protecting both your property and your neighbours.

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