First Steps

Firstly, I’m so glad this site exists, after reading many of the renovation threads I quickly realised how naive I was. 

We’re planning on major renovations and before we start talking to anyone I want to understand the best approach, in particular what order I should be doing things. We’ve only just bought our apartment and so we’re not on the EC yet but I’m on good terms with our neighbours and want to keep it that way so we’re intent on doing things by the book. 

As you can see from the list below, the proposed reno’s are diverse in nature. 

My specific question is, do we provide a high-level outline of our renovation plans to the EC first and ask them what they require for consideration, or do we go to the other end of the spectrum and  get council approval, by-laws written up and detailed drawings and then approach the EC? 

I’d prefer the first option as this way I’m not second-guessing the EC and potentially keeping my costs lower too. 

The by-laws that have been given to me by the strata manager also appear to be the standard Model Rules, very generic and there isn’t any specific by-laws for renovations so I’m feeling in the dark a little. 

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. 

Items for approval: 

1. Converting 2 bedrooms to a study and 2 bedrooms by adding a wall

2. Removal of wall between kitchen & living area

3. New opening/door to laundry

4. New opening/door to bedroom

5. Rerouting of services for kitchen, laundry & bathroom

6. New front door location

7. New double-hung replacement awning window for bathroom

8. Additional sewer line from laundry for a new toilet

9. Privacy screen for balcony

10. New section of living area/balcony facade for sliding glass door

11. Wall mounts for hanging baskets on balcony

12. Retiling bathroom, laundry & kitchen

13. Replace carpet with timber flooring

14. Introduction of gas line

15. Suntube to study