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Interior Designs

Apartment Interior Designs & Ideas

Need design inspiration for your apartment’s interior?

Then you seriously need to consider working with an interior designer.

Our team of interior designers can help you plan, design and coordinate the renovation of your apartment’s interiors and personalise it to your taste.

They can also help style your home so it is more functional and ensure it matches your lifestyle.

Revamping your interiors is also a practical option for apartments, where structural works are either too expensive or simply not possible. It is also a cost-effective alternative to more involved structural works, like a kitchen or bathroom renovation.

What exactly does an interior designer do?

Interior designers do so much more than make your apartment look pretty. Depending on the project and agreement they have with you, an interior designer could be responsible for any or all of the following:

Meeting with builders and architects and/or builders to discuss your project
Developing designs for your project according to a brief agreed with you
Creating plans, working on drawings or 3D visuals of your project
Researching materials, finishes, lighting, and soft furnishings
Helping to select materials for your project
Inspecting and supervising the work of tradespeople to ensure workmanship is up to standard
Ensuring project budgets and deadlines are met

Renovating in strata: be prepared

Be aware that if you are renovating an apartment or unit you need to work with the prevailing rules in your strata.

Depending on the laws in your strata this could even apply to an interior design makeover, particularly if it impacts common property.

Even though you may own the property, you don’t own the whole title like you would with a house.

This is why it is essential that you understand the strata approval requirements that apply in your building – as well as other factors like noise restrictions and the practical logistics of the project before any renovation work commences.

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Home Renovations

Home Renovations Specialists Sydney

Thinking of a complete home renovation?

Great – you’ve landed on the right page.

We are home renovation specialists who project manage your home renovation package from start to finish and deliver your project on time and to budget. You also deal directly with us throughout, which mean no sales reps or chasing tradies.

Sound good?

Before we get started the most common question asked by our clients is;

Do I Need Council Approval?

Generally speaking, if you alter the structure or services of a building you will require council approval for your project. This can include extending the footprint of your home, adding a second story, building a deck which raises the height of your backyard or adding a window looking out to your neighbours.

We like to think of it as a privacy factor, you wouldn’t want your neighbours just building out and up and causing direct sight into your property.

That’s where an architect comes in; they can design something that will meet your goals but also comply with all the privacy, environmental, legal,& services related requirements.

If you are unsure whether your project requires council approval, visit your local council website and look for the “development fact sheets” or “development sections”.

If your project is completely internal and you are only knocking walls, doing a kitchen and/or bathroom renovation, painting, electrical & plumbing then it’s a grey area in which some councils don’t really like to get involved.

Most of our clients doing internal works don’t go through council. In saying that, it is your responsibility to find out what your specific council requirements are.

For internal works, you wouldn’t really need an architect if you already know your design and the look you are after. We also offer an internal design and construct package (Option 1) for your kitchen and bathroom. This is not an architect drawing, but rather a 2D & 3D drawing and in most cases more detailed.

If your home renovation project requires council approval, we recommend you employ an architect as a starting point way before you start talking to builders. Make sure you let your architect know your budget for the building costs so he/she designs accordingly.

Home renovation company Sydney

Need reasons to work with us?

The main thing we do is take the stress off your shoulders.

How?

By working with you in the planning phase to help work out a detailed budget that takes everything into account. We then project manage your reno from start to finish and deliver your project on time and to budget. We are also fully licensed NSW Contractor NSW Company and insured, and hold public liability insurance and all the necessary warranties to work on your job. All the tradies and contractors we use are also top shelf professionals, who have all the necessary qualifications and licences.

Home Renovation Builders Sydney

Renovating your whole home makes sense for practical and logistical reasons. It means we can:

Get everything done at once
Make the most of all the tradies onsite for cost savings
Can negotiate better prices from suppliers if you are shopping for your whole home

Structural Engineering Sydney

Structural Engineering in Sydney, Providing Both Residential & Commercial Services

Successful structural engineering in Sydney starts with Sydney Renovation Hire. Our structural engineers are fully insured and certified with an extensive understanding of building design, which allows us to complete both home renovations and office renovations. We use a wealth of technical data and measurements to evaluate building design and structure, ensuring smart building practices for every project.

We lay the framework for impressive renovations and building work, making sure that every structure is designed to withstand heavy pressure. We look at projects from the ground up, first focusing on the foundation and how strong it needs to be to support the rest of the design. Our building structural engineers in Sydney are passionate about every project and committed to excellent attention to detail and thorough craftsmanship. Our clients know they can count on us to produce standout results for all their structural engineering needs.

Looking to renovate or commence a new building project? The professional structural engineers at jy interior are here to help every step of the way.

Apartment Renovations Sydney

Apartment & Unit Renovations Sydney

JY Interior help people create outstanding apartment renovations in Sydney. We believe every apartment project reflects the personal style of the owner.

We simplify the process with our expert team of architects, designers and specialised apartment renovators. From your initial idea to handover to after build support, we’re with you every step of the way.

Specialising in architectural apartments and lobby upgrades, JY interior spaces for clients and ensure a world class experience.

We have worked alongside the most reputable design firms, and have the unique skill set to understand design and functionality in the apartment space.

Even though you may own the property, you don’t own the whole title as you would with a house – so you have to work with your Owners Corporation. This is why it is essential that you understand the strata approval requirements that apply in your building – as well as other factors like noise restrictions and the practical logistics of the project before any renovation work commences.

But do not fear – this is where we come in!

By working with you in the planning phase to help work out a detailed budget that takes everything into account. We then project manage your apartment renovation from start to finish and deliver your project on time and to the highest standard. You get to deal directly with us, which mean no sales reps or chasing tradies – we coordinate everything and make it happen.

All the tradies and contractors we use are also top shelf professionals, who have all the necessary qualifications and licenses to take on your apartment renovations goals!

Working With Us – How Your Apartment Renovation Happens

1.Prepare Preliminaries

2.Phone Consultation

3.Ballpark Quotation

4.On-site consultation

5.Sign building contract

6.Engineering plans (if required)

7.Strata submission

8.Design & materials purchasing phase

9.Approval and build

Apartment Renovation Specialists

We are apartment renovations specialists and have worked on countless apartments and with many strata managers and Owners Corporations.

We will help you navigate all the regulations around strata, and make sure we have everything in place before any works begin. The key is to:

Engage and communicate with your Owners Corporation from day one – so you know what is required and how the process works
Present well-thought-out plans to help streamline the approval process
Manage the works according to the by-laws

Strata Bylaws Renovations

Strata Bylaws Renovation Specialists In Sydney

Renovating a unit or apartment in Sydney? Then the word “Strata Bylaws Renovations” would have definitely come up in conversation.

You need to understand the rules around renovating in a strata scheme, the approval process that applies in your building, and what the strata by-laws are.

By-laws govern life in a strata building, including renovations, and could impact the timeline and budget of your apartment renovation, but do not fear – this is where we come in. We have worked on many apartment renovations across Sydney, and have experience of dealing with owner’s corporations and the rules around renovating in a strata building. It is also why we put this page on Strata Bylaws Renovations and renovating in a strata building together – so you can understand what is involved and plan accordingly.

Understanding Strata Bylaws Renovations

The Owners Corporation represent all the owners (including you) in an apartment complex, and are responsible for managing the building and approving renovations.

You need approval from the Owners Corporation of your strata title for most renovations, no matter how small or cosmetic they seem to you. This is because your renovation could affect the appearance of the building, cause noise for neighbouring lots – and the works could end up damaging parts of the common property like the walls, floors and ceilings.

Start by getting a copy of the strata by-laws and looking into the approval process for your building. You can request the renovation application form and review it with us to ensure you have everything covered.

When you get approval from the Owners Corporation they will often attach certain conditions to the works. These are included in your agreement and can include:

The scope of works for the renovation
When works can happen, including specific days and times of day
Security payments or bonds to cover damage to common property
Who is responsible for maintaining and/or repairing any damage caused by the renovation.

What is a strata by-law?

By-laws are a set of rules that all owners and tenants must follow. They are unique to the strata scheme and cover how people behave and how they can use common property. This could include rules around on-site parking, the keeping of pets, noise levels, and parts affecting the structural adequacy of the building.

It is important to understand which by-laws apply to your scheme as they could also impact how soon your renovation can get started and what projects you can take on. To understand why you may need a by-law approved for your renovation you first need to understand the concept of common property.

What is common property?

In an apartment or lot, common property is normally the four main walls, ceiling, roof and the floor. It is also all the external walls in the building, as well as areas like foyers, driveways and the gym or pool – places everyone uses and can access. If you are wondering what actually belongs to you – an owner’s property is basically the airspace in the lot – which includes the internal walls, fixtures, carpet and paint on the walls.

What type of renovations do I need to tell the Owners Corporation about?

Each strata scheme is different but you will generally need permission if you are doing a kitchen or bathroom renovation or making changes to the walls, floors, ceilings, as well as any pipework or ventilation ducts. One of the most common projects people get in trouble with is changing their flooring without permission.

Because you are living in close proximity to other people a hard floor covering – like tiles or hardwood flooring – can cause an increase in noise transmission to neighbouring lots. You may even need an acoustic engineer to carry out some tests to ensure your hard flooring is compliant and is not too loud for your neighbours. Failure to get permission could result in the Owners Corporation getting you to undo the changes – something which is going to cost you more money and a lot of stress.

In NSW apartment renovations are grouped into three classes, which give you some idea of what jobs you can carry out and the permissions around these:

1. Cosmetic work

Approval Required: Not normally. You can generally do cosmetic work without approval from the Owners Corporation.

Jobs Include:

Putting in picture hooks
Painting the interior walls
Fixing holes in your walls.

Other Notes: Be sure to check what by-laws apply in your strata scheme – as your Owners Corporation could change what is classed as cosmetic work.

2. Minor renovations

Approval Required: Yes. You can carry out minor renovations if you obtain approval from the Owners Corporation by way of a general resolution (a 50% majority) at a general meeting of the Owners Corporation. The fact that a general resolution is sufficient, instead of a special resolution, represents the major change in the new Strata Laws for renovation approvals.

Jobs Include: In NSW minor renovations could include common jobs like

Renovating your kitchen
Installing new flooring
Altering any internal walls.

Other Notes: You will need to provide plans of your project, as well as details of when you propose the works take place, and details of the qualified trades or contractors who will carry the work out. All lot owners will then vote on your project at an Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting – and you need over 50 percent of lot owners to support your project to go ahead with your minor renovation.

Again, check what by-laws apply in your strata scheme – as your Owners Corporation could change what is classed as a minor renovation.

3. Major renovations

Approval Required: Yes. You must obtain approval by a special resolution (a 75% majority) at a meeting of the Owners Corporation, and you need a special by-law created to authorise the work.

Jobs Include: Major renovations can include

Any structural works
Bathroom & laundry renovations
Waterproofing
Changing the appearance of building (windows, awnings, screens etc)
Work that needs council approval

Other Notes: To get approval for this type of job you will need a special resolution vote. A special resolution is added onto the minutes of an Annual General or Special General Meeting.

Apartment renovation specialists – why work with us?

We are apartment renovation specialists and have worked on many apartments and with many strata managers and Owners Corporations. Please visit our process page to learn more about the next steps.

We will help you navigate all the regulations around strata, and make sure we have everything in place before any works begin. The key is to:

Engage and communicate with your Owners Corporation from day one – so you know what is required and how the process works
Present well-thought-out plans to help streamline the approval process
Manage the works according to the by-laws

As a courtesy to your neighbours, we also take a community-focused approach when working on any job in a strata building. We work very hard to try limit the impact our trades and works have on you and your neighbours. When you get approval for works to commence we letter drop all the adjacent neighbours with a courtesy letter so they know what to expect about the duration of works and approved hours of work. They are also encouraged to feedback to us before or during the works.

Terrace Renovations

Federation Home & Terrace Renovations Sydney

Thinking of renovating a Victorian terrace or Federation home in Sydney? A terrace renovation requires smart design coupled with a skilled team.

Then you need to talk to us. Renovating these gems can turn a dark, crumbling property into an extremely liveable, light-filled contemporary homes that still retain their original charm and character.

We have worked on terrace renovations and heritage projects right across Sydney and can help get the most out of your renovation. We project manage your terrace renovation from start to finish and deliver your project on time and to budget. You also deal directly with us throughout, which mean no sales reps or chasing tradies. We coordinate everything and make it happen using a network of top-shelf tradesmen and contractors for all our projects.

1. Do I need council approval for my terrace renovation?

Generally speaking, if you extend the footprint of your current house, require a second story, build a deck which raises the height of your backyard, or add a window looking out to your neighbours, then you would need council approval. We like to think of it as a privacy factor, you wouldn’t want your neighbours just building out and causing direct sight into your property. That’s where an architect comes in, they can design something that will achieve your goals but also comply with all the privacy, environmental, legal, services related requirements.

If you are unsure whether your project requires council approval, visit your local council website and look for the “development fact sheets” or “development sections”.

If your project is completely internal, doing a kitchen and/or bathroom, painting, electrical & plumbing then it’s a grey area in which some councils don’t really like to get involved. Most home owners doing internal works don’t go through council. In saying that, it will ultimately be your risk if the rules become firmer.

If your terrace renovation project requires council approval, we recommend you employ an architect as a starting point before you start talking to builders. Make sure you let your architect know your budget for the building costs so he/she design the terrace renovation accordingly.

2. How to renovate a Sydney terrace house

There is no shortage of Victorian and Edwardian era terrace homes in Sydney, and they can be found across the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and lower North Shore.

Why do people like them? Because they have so much character and history behind them – and they can make a great family home.

But terrace renovations can be quite challenging to work on. You are normally dealing with a fairly narrow, confined space, and the age of the structure can also bring its own set of problems. The most common issues with homes of this era is that they are dark and cold inside, structurally unsound and can have problems like rising damp. The floorplan is usually long and narrow, with all the separate rooms leading off a single passageway. The traditional design of that time also means that there is often only one bathroom, with the living areas at the front of the house. The move to open-plan living reverses all this, so you will want to:

Reconfigure the floorplan to maximise space in the home
Increase storage
Bring in more natural light
Move your living areas to the rear
Add another bathroom
Renovate the kitchen and bathroom
Rework the rear of the property so it is open plan, and opens out onto your backyard

But you can’t often dive in and start work on a terrace as it is likely to be heritage listed or in a conservation area. Generally speaking, councils are sympathetic to well-designed terrace renovations where they improve the home, enhance the character of the areas, and improve property values

3. Understanding heritage building regulations

If you are planning on a terrace renovation or Federation house you are likely to have some restrictions on how and what you can do to the building. This is to conform to heritage building standards which are there to preserve the architectural identity of period buildings. Most local councils have strict planning controls that prevent you from tinkering with the frontage of your home.

As an example, for individually listed terraces the City of Sydney Council guidelines require, “conservation of significant original features, internally and externally. For terraces listed as part of a conservation area the external form is considered important. Some terraces have not been listed as heritage items or in conservation areas, however, these terraces generally have streetscape significance, and retention of their streetscape characteristics is desirable.”

Elements that you will need to retain include:

Paint colour schemes
Cast iron balcony balustrades, friezes, and lacework
Tessellated tile finishes on verandahs
Timber details on beams and trims
Interior ceiling roses and trims

If you are unsure of the status of your property you can check the NSW heritage database at the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, or check with your local council. Your plans will also need to respect the privacy of your neighbours, so the alteration or addition must not, “detrimentally affect neighbouring properties”.

4. How much will my terrace renovation cost?

This is most probably the first question on your mind, and rightly so. Cost can make or break any terrace renovation project – so you need to have a clear idea of how much you have to spend before we get going.

The easiest way to get an idea of how much your project is going to cost is to do your research and decide what work you want to be done. We then work with you to develop a design and budget. In terms of the big picture your budget is going to be affected by:

The size of your home
How extensive the works are
The type of materials you choose
The appliances and fittings you choose
The cost of permits and external professional advice