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The opening poster’s point is that thanks to the Class 2 Reforms, a simple apartment renovation can require a whole new level of documentation and expense, even if the renovation doesn’t require a DA.
For example, we only want to remove one short non-loadbearing wall in our apartment kitchen but to do that we need to complete a CDC application, which is a mine field. The CDC application requires an engineer’s report and plans drawn by an Architect certified for Class 2 – which we’ve done. But now we’ve been told additional documentation is needed, but no one seems to know what exactly.
If you want to hire a certifier to help with the process, good luck, because we’ve found most Class 2 certifiers won’t touch CDC applications for apartments. We did receive a quote for $8,000 from one certifier who clearly didn’t want the job. Interestingly I’ve called the offices of a few certifiers and found each one gave me differing details on what documents are required. I have left a message with a building certifier in my local council to see if they can tell me exactly what is needed.
Just wanted to clarify the original poster’s comment about tradesman being specially certified for Class 2 buildings – this is not a thing. The builder and head contractor must have a Class 2, however trades nly need to be certified within their respective disciplines.
The main problem for apartment owners, is that there is no central location that outlines exactly what documentation is needed for a CDC application. While trying to get to the bottom of all of this, I called the NSW Dept Planning and found the staff were vague on the details and when pressed for more information told me to go to the portal – which is also unclear as to what is needed. I think the problem is they haven’t been properly trained on the new reforms.
Firstly, if you are ever in doubt about what is required contact a building certifier at your local council who will give you free advice.
We are going through this process right now for our apartment in NSW. For something like the removal of an internal wall (even it its non-loadbearing), you will need to do a CDC application (a process I am still trying to navigate).
However, all that is required for waterproofing and re-tile is a by-law submission, once you have a letter of approval for the works to proceed by the Strata Manager then a by-law submission is required. If the identical works has already been done by someone else in the building then it’s likely that a by-law is already in place, so speak to your Strata Manager about what you need to do for this.