All Topics / Help Needed! / Demolish a wall

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Profile photo of mathewc73mathewc73
    Participant
    @mathewc73
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 241

    Hi All,
    Sorry, I figure this does not quite fit under the development category.

    We have purchased a nice old unit in a 3 story block. We are on the top floor. There is a wall between the kitchen and lounge room.

    Looking in the roof, it would appear that it may be load bearing (we are getting an engineers report).

    We were hoping not to get body corporate involved, however the engineer has said if it is load bearing we will have to.

    Im just wondering has anyone had to do something similar to this? How did you approach the body corporate? What issues did you have with them? Is this something the body corporate can stop us doing?

    We will tell the BC if we have to, however I dont want unnecessary issues getting in the way.

    Thoughts?

    Thanks
    Mat

    Profile photo of surreyhughes19905surreyhughes19905
    Member
    @surreyhughes19905
    Join Date: 2003
    Post Count: 204

    Hi,
    If the engineer says it is load bearing the BC needs to know about what you are planning as it may affect the structural integrity of all the other units and may void certain insurances. Also there may be work needed on common property so again the BC needs to know for appropriate work cover and so on.

    The best way to deal with the body corporate (or government for that matter) is to make their decision easy and remove any additional thought the committee may need. To this end, get the engineers report, put together you plan of what you want to do along with any notes the engineer has about required structural changes. Add in when you want to start work, how long it will take, the hours during which the work be done, the number of people on site, the name of the contractor you’ll use. (so get your quotes done first). And include copies of the contractor’s insurance cover.
    As an addition, if you really want to make sure it all goes through without a hitch add a couple estimates of increase in value of you apartment from some “authorities” and demonstrate that this work will likely increase the perceived property value for all apartments, increasing rent and so forth. Money talks.

    Basically the body corporate’s job is to protect the value of the common property and ensure one unit doesn’t disadvantage any other. so show how you’ll protect the property and if possible how you’ll advantage the other units.

    Surrey.

    Profile photo of mathewc73mathewc73
    Participant
    @mathewc73
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 241

    Hi Surrey,
    Your response is very helpful. Thankyou!

    Im pretty sure its structural and the engineer will confirm this tomorrow.

    Thanks again
    Mat

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. If you don't have an account, you can register here.