Interior Design for an Apartment: What You Need to Know Before You Renovate

Renovating an apartment used to be a relatively straightforward process. You would decide which rooms you wanted to update, visit a kitchen designer or plumbing supplier, and perhaps head to a retailer like Harvey Norman that could provide supply-and-install options. If a wall needed to be moved, you’d contact Strata for approval and then find a trustworthy builder to carry out the work.

However, those days are largely behind us.

With the introduction of the new Class 2 Building Act, apartment renovations have become far more regulated—and for good reason. If you’re planning to refurbish an apartment today, it’s important to understand what’s changed, why it matters, and how to prepare.

What Has Changed With Class 2 Buildings?

Under the new Class 2 regulations, any renovation to an existing apartment now requires involvement from Class 2–certified professionals. This means:

• Your builder, plumber, and electrician must all be Class 2 certified

• Any structural changes—such as removing walls or enlarging door openings—require Class 2–certified architectural or interior design drawings

• These plans must be lodged with Strata for approval

• You will also need to obtain a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), which can be issued by either your local council or a private certifier

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This applies not only to major structural work but also to changes that affect the building’s integrity, waterproofing, or services.

Why Has the Government Made Renovations More Complex?

The increased regulation is largely a response to widespread issues in the multi-residential construction sector over the past five years. Poor workmanship, lack of compliance, and unregulated renovations led to serious problems, including:

• Waterproofing failures

• Structural defects

• Damage that affected not just individual apartments, but entire buildings and neighbouring properties

These new laws aim to protect homeowners, neighbours, and strata schemes by ensuring renovations are carried out safely, professionally, and to an appropriate standard.

Major vs Minor Apartment Renovations

Understanding whether your renovation is considered major or minor is critical.

Major Renovations

A major renovation typically involves:

• Removing or altering structural walls

• Enlarging doorways or openings

• Changing the use or layout of wet areas (kitchen, bathroom, laundry)

• Any work that impacts structural, fire, or waterproofing systems

These projects can require up to five consultants, such as:

• Architect or interior designer

• Structural engineer

• Private certifier

• Builder

• Lawyer or strata consultant (in some cases)

As a result, consultancy and approval costs can be substantial in addition to construction costs.

Minor Renovations

Minor renovations generally include:

• Replacing a kitchen within the existing kitchen footprint

• Renovating a bathroom without altering its layout

• Like-for-like updates that don’t impact structure or services

While still subject to strata approval, minor renovations are usually simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.

Planning Ahead Is Key

Before you start renovating—or even before you purchase an apartment with renovation plans in mind—it’s strongly recommended to speak with an architect or interior designer early. A professional can help you understand:

• Whether your ideas are feasible under current regulations

• What approvals are required

• The likely construction and consultancy costs involved

Although these regulatory barriers may initially seem prohibitive, the right advice and team can make the process far more manageable.

Final Thoughts

Apartment renovations today require more planning, more consultants, and a clearer understanding of compliance—but they don’t have to be stressful. With the right professionals guiding you, your renovation can still be a smooth, well-managed, and rewarding experience that adds real value to your home.

Proper planning isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s the foundation of a successful apartment renovation.