One would think the SC would be able to require that the renovating owner notify the SC and other owners of the planned renovation – giving the owners of apartments that may be impacted by the renovation an opportunity to understand the nature of the renovation. “Before the fact”
Also:
If a carpet is to be replaced with timber or tile flooring, the SC should be able to establish fairly specific guidelines to the renovating owner regarding the need for sound insulation underlay. And the renovating owner should be required to provide to the SC evidence that the work proposed will comply with the SC’s guidelines.
Our SC is dominated by lawyers. They prefer to cite legal precedents when a dispute has arisen than establish guidelines that would help prevent disputes.
We’ve renovated our bathroom, laundry, and kitchen. We replaced old carpet with new. We discovered that the original construction and materials were clearly inadequate – or non-existent – in terms of water sealing and sound insulation.
Our experience is that builders, tilers, carpet installers seem happy to do work that would not comply with any building standard, or that would be clearly illegal.
Owners are also inclined to DIY a renovation – and are often happy to ignore SC requirements to seek permission before undertaking a renovation, or comply with any building standards.
And the ABC “standards” are not binding. They’re merely “recommendations” that are not enforceable.
As a member of an SC – I’m wondering if all SCs are just plain lazy – or is it only the SC of the apartment complex where I have purchased?