Apartment Renovation Design Sydney
Apartment renovation design, layout redesign, renovation plans and strata approval drawings across Sydney and the Northern Beaches — making compact apartments live larger.
If you're searching for apartment renovation design or a renovation designer in Sydney, we provide practical, buildable solutions tailored to strata living — and the drawings your committee and builder need.
Sydney apartments often have outdated layouts, small kitchens, limited storage and poor connection between living spaces. We help apartment owners redesign and renovate their homes with smart planning, practical layouts and clear, strata-ready drawings.
Many clients initially search for apartment renovation plans or apartment renovation drawings in Sydney — but quickly discover the real value is in the design behind them: a layout that works, and documentation that gets through strata.
Apartment Renovation Plans & Drawings Sydney
Clear, detailed drawings are essential for builders, certifiers and strata approvals. We prepare professional apartment renovation plans and apartment renovation drawings in Sydney for builders, certifiers and strata committees.
We provide:
Existing condition drawings
Proposed renovation floor plans
Demolition plans
Construction drawings
Joinery and cabinetry drawings
Wet area and bathroom layouts
These drawings form the foundation of a smooth and well-planned renovation.
Renovating an Apartment in Sydney Is Different to Renovating a House
Apartment renovations come with unique challenges that require careful planning and experience.
Unlike houses, apartment renovations must consider:
Strata by-laws and approval requirements
Structural walls and building services
Plumbing and drainage locations
Acoustic and noise restrictions
Limited space and storage
Older apartment building layouts
Many Sydney apartments were built between the 1960s and 1990s, often with closed kitchens, small bathrooms and compartmentalised living spaces. Renovating successfully means understanding what can change, what can’t, and how to make the most of the space available.
This is where considered renovation design makes a significant difference.
Apartment Renovation Designers in Sydney
Many apartment owners begin their search looking for an apartment renovation designer in Sydney.
As architecturally-trained building designers, we provide the benefits of both design expertise and technical documentation, ensuring your renovation is not only beautiful but also buildable, compliant and ready for strata approval.
Our Apartment Renovation Design Services
We provide a complete apartment renovation design service, from early ideas through to detailed drawings for construction and strata approval.
Apartment Renovation Design
We specialise in apartment layout redesign in Sydney, improving how spaces function, flow and feel.
This may include:
Open-plan living design
Kitchen and bathroom redesign
Storage and joinery planning
Space optimisation for small apartments
Improving natural light and flow
Our goal is to create apartments that feel larger, brighter and more functional.
Strata Approval Drawings
Most apartment renovations in Sydney require strata approval before work can begin.
Strata committees typically require professional drawings that clearly show:
What is being changed
Whether walls are structural
Plumbing and wet area modifications
Acoustic and waterproofing considerations
We prepare clear, professional strata renovation drawings that help streamline the approval process and reduce delays.
Pre-Purchase Apartment Renovation Advice
Many clients contact us before buying an apartment.
If you’re considering purchasing a property that needs renovation, we can:
Assess renovation potential
Identify layout improvement opportunities
Highlight risks and limitations
Provide early renovation concepts and advice
This helps you buy with confidence and plan future improvements realistically.
Transforming Outdated Apartment Layouts
Many apartments across Sydney were designed for a different era. Renovation can dramatically improve comfort, usability and property value.
Common apartment upgrades include:
Opening kitchens to create open-plan living
Relocating kitchens (where feasible)
Redesigning bathrooms and laundries
Removing non-structural internal walls
Adding built-in storage and joinery
Improving lighting and spatial flow
Optimising small apartment layouts
Creating smarter apartment layout redesigns for modern living
Even modest layout changes can completely transform how an apartment feels and functions.
How much does an apartment renovation cost in Sydney?
Apartment renovations in Sydney typically run: kitchens $25,000–$50,000, bathrooms $20,000–$38,000, and a full interior refresh $60,000–$120,000, depending on scope and building access.
Older walk-ups can cost a little more to service — narrow stairwells and no lift add labour. Because most apartment work is internal, it usually falls under Exempt Development, so strata approval becomes the real hurdle rather than council. See our full cost guide.
Who We Work With
Our apartment renovation services are ideal for:
Apartment owners renovating to live in
Investors upgrading rental properties
Buyers planning renovations before purchase
Downsizers moving from houses to apartments
Owners preparing apartments for sale
Whether the goal is lifestyle improvement or investment value, good design makes a measurable difference.
Experienced With Sydney Apartment Buildings
We work across a wide range of Sydney apartment types, including:
Art Deco apartments
1960s–70s brick unit blocks
1980s–90s apartment buildings
Modern apartments needing layout upgrades
Each building type has its own construction methods, structural systems and constraints. Understanding these differences helps ensure renovation designs are realistic, compliant and achievable.
Our Apartment Renovation Design Process
We aim to make the renovation journey clear and manageable.
1. Initial Consultation
We discuss your apartment, goals, budget and renovation ideas.
2. Existing Layout Review
We analyse the current layout and identify opportunities for improvement.
3. Concept Layout Options
We explore layout ideas, apartment layout redesign options, and spatial improvements.
4. Detailed Renovation Drawings
We prepare professional drawings for builders and approvals.
5. Strata Approval Documentation
We provide clear plans suitable for submission to strata committees.
Why Work With a Designer for an Apartment Renovation
Apartment renovations involve complex constraints that benefit from professional design input.
Working with a designer helps you:
Avoid costly layout mistakes
Maximise small spaces and storage
Navigate strata approval requirements
Improve functionality and comfort
Increase resale value
Thoughtful planning at the beginning of a project often saves time, stress and cost later.
Apartment Renovation FAQs
Do I need strata approval to renovate my apartment in Sydney?
In most cases, yes. Many apartment renovations require approval from the owners corporation before work can begin, especially if the renovation involves bathrooms, kitchens, plumbing, waterproofing, structural walls or flooring changes. Professional drawings are typically required as part of the approval process.
What apartment renovations usually require drawings?
Strata committees and builders commonly require drawings for:
Kitchen renovations
Bathroom renovations
Laundry renovations
Removing or altering walls
Relocating plumbing fixtures
Built-in joinery and storage
Major layout changes
Clear drawings help ensure the renovation is properly understood and approved.
Can internal walls be removed in an apartment?
Sometimes. Some apartment walls are non-structural and can be removed, while others are structural or contain services and must remain. An assessment of the building and layout is needed before making changes.
Can kitchens or bathrooms be relocated in apartments?
Relocating wet areas can be possible, but it depends on the building’s plumbing layout and strata rules. Early planning is important to determine what is feasible before committing to a renovation.
Do I need an architect or a designer for an apartment renovation?
For an apartment renovation you don't need a registered architect — a building designer covers layout, strata documentation and builder-ready drawings at a fee suited to the project. The value is real, though: for layout changes and anything needing strata approval, considered design maximises space, avoids costly mistakes and gets your application through the committee faster.
Should I get renovation advice before or after buying an apartment?
Many clients contact us before purchasing. Early advice can help you understand renovation potential, likely costs and limitations, allowing you to make a more informed buying decision.
How long does the apartment renovation design process take?
Timeframes vary depending on the project, but concept design and detailed drawings are typically completed within a few weeks. Approval timeframes depend on strata committees and certifiers.
Do you work with small apartments?
Absolutely. Small apartment layout redesign and space optimisation is one of the most common reasons clients contact us. Learn more about our Northern Beaches Small Renovations here.
Can strata refuse my apartment renovation?
An owners corporation can refuse work that affects common property or structure, but it can't unreasonably refuse a properly documented cosmetic or minor renovation. Most refusals come down to vague applications — no drawings, no waterproofing detail, no clarity on what's changing. A complete submission, showing exactly what's altered and how wet areas are handled, removes most objections before they start.
Planning an Apartment Renovation?
Whether you need apartment renovation design, strata approval drawings, or builder-ready renovation plans in Sydney, we can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Contact us today to book a consultation and start planning your apartment renovation.
Phone
0494 578 085
Led by Deon Du Plessis
Beaches Drafting is led by Deon Du Plessis, an architecturally-focussed building designer with more than 20 years in professional architectural practices across Johannesburg, London and Sydney (B.Arch, RIBA Parts 1 & 2). Apartment and strata work is a core part of what we do — book a free 1-hour consult.
Contact
Questions? Reach out anytime here.
Phone
beachesdrafting@gmail.com
0494 578 085
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