Maryjane
I have experience with your situation.
1) I sold a villa last year. New owners wanted to start renos on settlement day. I raised the motion for the renos. (They told me exactly what they were doing. It was a minor renovation). Since we were self managed and I was chairman/secretary , I got a meeting notice out quickly and motion was passed.
You do need the cooperation of the SM or OC to make it happen quickly.
2) Daughter bought a villa last year. AGM was 2 Days after settlement. SM allowed motion for Reno to be put on agenda. Motion was passed, even though we already started the strip out before the meeting.
Again if you can get some cooperation from the OC or the SM they can make things happen.
None of the above contravened any Strata laws
good luck