Renovations to your unit (internal)
You are the owner of your unit!
It is yours. And you can design the interior in any way it is practical for you and meets your taste.
The Sectional Title Act and our Conduct Rules are however placing some restrictions and we have to know them before some redesign may have to be contemplated.
There are not many – it is mainly dealing with the structural integrity of your walls and ceilings and also with the overall electrical and water installation.
These are essentially the rules from our Conduct Rules which we have to keep in mind:
A1.3 Statutory rule
An owner shall not make alterations which are likely to impair the stability of the building or the use and enjoyment of their unit, the common property or any exclusive use area;
6.1 Consent from trustees
Before any structural alterations are undertaken, the period within which the work must be completed must be agreed with the Trustees and must be adhered to. A deposit may be called for and will be forfeited if the work is not completed by the deadline or fi the common property is damaged.
6.2 Reasonable working hours
Any alteration shall be carried out at reasonable hours (Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 17h00 and onSaturdays between 09h00 and 14h00, with no noisy work being carried out on Sundays or Public Holidays) and shall not cause any undue disturbance to owners or occupiers of neighbouring sections.
6.9 Structural alteration
No structural alteration to interior of units which may affect the strength of the structure or any servitude or implied servitude as defined in Section 28 of the Sectional Titles Act, 1986, including any alterations to plumbing and electrical installations may be carried out without prior written consent of the Trustees or the approval of the municipal authorities. The Trustees may require a certificate signed by a practising civil engineer certifying that the proposed alterations or additions will not adversely affect the structure or any servitude or implied servitude before granting their consent to such alterations or additions.
6.10 No interference with electrical installations
An owner or occupier of a unit shall not be entitled to interfere with electrical installations and plug points in the section, unless such work is undertaken by a licensed technician and prior written approval has been obtained from the trustees.
6.14 Repairs or replacement of floors to upstairs units
When floors that are above a downstairs unit bedroom, are refurbished/replaced, the new flooring must be of a soundproof nature, such as carpeting. This is to cause minimal disturbance to downstairs residents.
Submit your request for consent to modifications
This request serves to inform the trustees of any renovation activities at a unit. It may however be necessary that the trustees conduct visual inspections whilst work is in progress and any transgressions with the Conduct Rules or the STMA found at such an inspection must be corrected by the owner to retain this approval.
Renovations to your unit
After receipt of your notification will the trustees study your application and come back to you should they have any further questions.
The confirmation from the trustees will be mailed to you, usually within a few days.