Apartment Renovations

Expert Apartment Renovation Services for Canberra and Sydney

Inhaus Living Pty. Ltd. has been transforming apartments across Canberra and Sydney since 2001. As a licensed Class 2 builder, we specialise in strata-compliant renovations that elevate your living space while respecting the unique constraints of multi-unit residential buildings. Whether you own a compact studio in Surry Hills, a family apartment in Braddon, or a penthouse in Kensington, our team delivers tailored designs and quality craftsmanship that add lasting value to your property.

Challenges Unique to Apartment Renovations

Apartment renovations present distinct challenges that differ significantly from standalone house projects. Understanding these constraints is essential for a successful outcome.

Strata rules and body corporate approvals: Most apartment buildings in Australia are governed by strata schemes. Before any structural changes, waterproofing work, or even cosmetic updates that affect common property, you typically need approval from the owners corporation. Strata bylaws may restrict work hours, specify acceptable tradespeople, or require particular insurance levels. Navigating these requirements without expert guidance can delay your project by weeks or months.

Noise restrictions: Apartments share walls, floors, and ceilings with neighbours. Councils and strata schemes often enforce strict noise limits during construction. Demolition, drilling, and heavy machinery use may be restricted to certain hours or require advance notice. Failing to comply can result in complaints, fines, or work stoppages.

Access limitations: Unlike a freestanding house, apartments have limited access points. Materials must often be carried through lobbies, lifts, and corridors. Large items like bathtubs or kitchen benchtops may require crane delivery or special lift arrangements. Parking for tradespeople and waste skips can be difficult in dense urban areas. These logistical hurdles add complexity and must be planned carefully from the outset.

How Inhaus Living Handles These Challenges

Our team has completed hundreds of apartment renovations across Canberra and Sydney. We manage strata approvals, noise compliance, and access logistics as part of our standard process.

We prepare and submit all necessary documentation to your body corporate, including scope of works, insurance certificates, and trade qualifications. We coordinate with building managers to schedule deliveries and minimise disruption to neighbours. Our project managers communicate clearly with strata committees and residents, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of disputes. We also schedule noisy work within permitted hours and provide advance notice as required by your building's bylaws.

Types of Apartment Renovations We Offer

Full gut renovation: For apartments that need a complete transformation, we strip the space back to its shell and rebuild from the ground up. This approach allows for new layouts, improved flow, upgraded electrical and plumbing, and a cohesive design throughout. Full gut renovations typically take 12–16 weeks and are ideal for dated apartments or when you want to maximise every square metre.

Partial refresh: If your apartment has good bones but needs modernisation, a partial refresh updates key areas without full demolition. We might renovate the kitchen and bathroom while refreshing living areas with new flooring, paint, and lighting. This option is more cost-effective and often allows you to remain in the apartment during construction.

Single-room upgrades: Focused on one space—most commonly the kitchen or bathroom—single-room upgrades deliver high impact without the scope of a full renovation. A bathroom refresh might include new tiles, vanity, and fixtures, completed in 3–4 weeks. A kitchen upgrade could involve new cabinetry, benchtops, and appliances, typically finished within 6–8 weeks.

Materials and Finishes Available

We source premium materials from trusted Australian suppliers. Our design team works with you to select finishes that suit your style and budget. Options include engineered stone and natural stone benchtops, porcelain and ceramic tiles, timber and laminate flooring, premium tapware and fixtures, and a wide range of cabinetry styles from modern minimalist to classic shaker. We also offer sustainable and low-VOC options for clients who prioritise environmental and health considerations.

The Inhaus Living Value Proposition

Choosing Inhaus Living for your apartment renovation means working with a licensed Class 2 builder who understands strata compliance, urban logistics, and the Australian renovation market. We provide fixed-price contracts, dedicated project management, and transparent communication from the first consultation to handover. Our 25+ years of experience across Canberra and Sydney give you confidence that your project will be completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.