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Renovating your unit can be an exciting step. Whether it’s updating your kitchen, installing new flooring, or making your home more energy efficient, it can add significant value to your property. But once the dust has settled and the tools are packed away, there’s one more important task that owners sometimes overlook: notifying the body corporate.
Even if your renovation didn’t require prior approval, it’s still essential to formally notify the body corporate once the work is complete. In Queensland, this step isn’t just good practice, it’s a requirement under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (BCCM Act).
Here’s why it matters and what you need to do.
Protecting the scheme’s insurance
Changes to your lot, especially those that involve fixtures, fittings, or structural elements, can impact the building’s insurance policy. The body corporate needs to know:
- What changes have been made
- If those changes affect shared infrastructure or common property
- Whether the improvement could influence the insurance premium
If your improvement results in a higher premium, you may be responsible for covering that additional cost. Failing to notify the body corporate can also affect claims if an issue arises later.
For example: A lot owner decides to renovate their kitchen, replacing the cabinetry and upgrading the appliances and cooktop.
While this might seem like a straightforward renovation, the upgrade should be disclosed with the body corporate’s insurer to ensure there is adequate coverage under relevant sections of the policy. That way, in the event of the claim, the replacement of any upgraded fixtures, fittings or appliances can be made within the limits of the policy.
Solar panel installations are another common example. When multiple lots within a scheme install solar panels, the overall insured value automatically increases.
Notifying the body corporate of any solar installations is also important as utility providers like Energex may monitor the scheme’s electrical load capacity.
Compliance with by-laws
Many body corporate by-laws include specific requirements around renovations, especially when it comes to hard flooring, noise, and aesthetics. For example, installing timber or tile floors is a common cause of disputes in apartment living due to noise complaints from neighbours below. Some schemes require prior approval and acoustic testing reports before this type of work can even begin.
Even if approval isn’t required, you should still notify the body corporate once the work is done, particularly if your changes could affect neighbours or common property.
Keeping records accurate
When you notify the body corporate of completed improvements, it helps keep important records like insurance details and lot improvement registers up to date. This is especially important if the alteration:
- Affects who is responsible for future maintenance
- Changes access to services like plumbing or electrical systems
- Alters common property
- When lots change ownership
What you need to do
Once your renovation is completed, here’s the process you should follow:
1. Formally notify the body corporate
This is usually done via your body corporate manager or committee. See BCsystems’ Completed Improvement Notification Form.
2. Detail the improvement
What work was done and where.
3. Provide supporting documents
Provide invoices, scope of works, or compliance certificates.
Some committees may also request additional documentation like engineering certifications, soundproofing reports, or council approvals depending on the scope of work.
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