Hello anyone who's listening!
I couldn't find any threads on this particular topic so thought I would put it out there…
I own a top-floor unit of a strata-titled block of 4, and there is quite a large expanse of empty space in the roof cavity above my unit (the space is firewalled off from any other units/areas/roofs spaces). Whenever I think about that empty space (and how it's going to waste) I think about all the POTENTIAL TO ADD VALUE!
I was interested to know if anyone had or is going through the process of obtaining exclusive use to internal roof space (currently common area), with the intention of converting it into either storage space and/or living space?
It would be great to hear any insights, no matter how minor, into things like:
-Generally how you went about it.
-Any major obstacles you encountered (and how you remedied them)?
-The legal costs?
-How the by-laws were changed as a result?
-Did the perceived value ultimately outweigh the total costs?
-Any other hints/tips?Any advice whatsoever is welcomed!
Smarter Property Improvement by Peter Cerexhe may be a start.
sounds very dicey. if I was in another unit I would object. there are noise issues, fire issues, access issues……..wouldnt waste your time if i were you.
Hello jaybean
I live overseas in an appartment house where one of the owners received permission to use an area that was roof space. He turned it into a very nice room.
I don't know the legal procedure but can tell you that the process he used was to put it on the agenda for the next body corporate meeting and present his case. The reason that everyone voted yes was that he was the only one who could profit from this space. No one else had access to it so why deny him.
You may have a chance. Your advantage is that your in a small block so you only have 3 other owners to persuade. Maybe you can get some professional advice to address the issues raised by crashy (fire safety,noise) and then get together a good presentation.
Maybe speak to the owner of the other top floor unit first. He may be interested in doing the same thing, if not now then in the future, in which case you will already have 1 vote.
Good luck
Elka
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