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  • #49383
    JeezLouise
    Flatchatter

      I would love to know your thoughts on non essential renovations being carried out in a tiny unit block in these which are unprecedented times.

      Things to consider:

      * Noise pollution – all residents are currently working from home and have no choice or have lost work and are still at home – all day every day
      * Extension on “noise Hours/days” Construction in NSW to 7 days a week, 7am – 7pm
      * Social distancing in a small block in a small apartment for the builders, and the residents
      * Council approval in a Heritage building not requested – therefore not approved

    Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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    • #49447
      Jimmy-T
      Keymaster

        Residents of any building that doesn’t have a reasonable set of by-laws covering noisy work are probably regretting that right now.

        Basically, TV shows like The Block are an insult to apartment residents as there is no place in unit blocks for hobby renovators.

        My building does not allow any renovations at weekends, or noisy work [except] between 8 am and 5 pm.  These rules are not draconian, they are common sense.

        You do, however, have recourse through your right to the peacful enjoyment of your lot. Check that out and think seriously about taking action at Fair Trading, in the first instance, to try to achieve a compromise, by-laws or not.

        The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
        #49455
        twosailram
        Flatchatter

          Jimmy T

          Did you mean between 5pm and 8am?

          #49458
          Jimmy-T
          Keymaster

            Ooops. Yes I did. Thanks.  Now corrected.

            The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
            #49461
            Birdie
            Flatchatter

              We have renovation by-laws in place for the times when work can be carried out. A new owner, who hasn’t moved in yet, had submitted an application to gut their 3 bedroom unit and completely renovate. 2 bathrooms, laundry and kitchen and removal of magnasite. 9 weeks of work planned – It’s gonna be noisy! As a committee we have asked  them to postpone their work due to the noise disruption to everyone working from home as well as the non workers not being able to escape the noie by going to the shops, cafe etc etc. Ours is a 1970s block, 3 stories and everyone knows when someone drills a hole to hang a picture. We haven’t had a response yet. What do we do if they say they won’t postpone? Do we reject the application?

              #49465
              Jimmy-T
              Keymaster

                There’s rejection and rejection …

                If they don’t respond, you could slow the whole process down by asking if they have planning permission (if the layout is going to change) who the builders are, who the project manager will be, whether or not they have insurance etc etc.

                Or you could sit down and work out a compromise that includes a delayed start and a strict set of noisy periods when all the drilling for the day would be done.  Say, 10am till 12 noon, every weekday.  It’s amazing how creative and productive project managers can be when they are handed a set of restrictions, rather than blank cheques to do waht they want, as and when they please.

                Any noise work outside that time would be grounds for a shut down with your electricians authorised to pull the plug, literally, on their power supply.

                And that’s what you should do if they just start the work anyway, without permission, hire a Level 2 Electrician to come and pull the main fuse to that unit on the grounds that building safety was being compromised without proper oversight.

                But probably just mentioning this potential sanction to the renovator will get their attention, if they start getting all “I know my rights” over this.

                But the simple fact is that owners can’t mess around with common property (like ceilings) without a by-law in place.

                That magnesite is common property.  They shouldn’t go near it without your say so and you can get a stop-work order from NCAT if they do.

                But pulling the fuse is easier, quicker and a lot cheaper.

                The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
                #49503
                Birdie
                Flatchatter

                  Thanks Jimmy, that’s a great suggestion. I have now spoken directly to the new owners to explain the issue – it appears alot was lost in translation by the our strata manager. LOL no suprise there, email tends to do that! There have been suggestions about providing elsewhere for people to work during the noisy times but we’re still working on it.

                  #50397
                  Birdie
                  Flatchatter

                    Thanks for the suggestion! As it turned out the owners, although not happy about the delay, did delay their renovations. They are now starting in earnest this week.

                  Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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