I emailed strata and was advised to notify my nearby neighbors about the resurfacing coz there’s a bit of sound. No approval required. Btw you do need to conduct an asbetos test before the team can commence work. The company recommended a lab in Brisbane that you send the samples in double zip lock bags, express post. Took 24-48hrs for lab to send me the report in pdf. I then forwarded that to Ceiling Resurfacing so they know which technique they’ll gonna do.

Thanks for your thoughts fiona_ab & ccwhatmough I'm thinking the same thing as far as wooden slats being a great fit for the room, there's a real fine line between creating an open space, allowing light in and keeping a spacious feel to the room. Good point about the reflection in the wardrobe mirrors. There is no specific reason for there to be a 'movable' wall expect to give the option for the room to feel more spacious. At the moment I am thinking about dark wood shutter / louvres. Either one or two panels (if 2 then the second would slide back). I found an example on Pinterest I really like - and have photoshopped it as best I can into the space to see what it would look like - and I think it could really work. The other option is to have the wood white - but I think the dark wood would compliment the other furniture / wood in the apartment. Appreciate any thoughts!

subject to confirmation by a plumber your new layout should be ideal with just enough space for a stacked washer and dryer and skinny tub and wall shelf for the laundry (i'm assuming the old shower position also has taps and floor waste) and a 1500 wide vanity with storage for linen and mirror doored medicine cabinet but what is the triangular space?? there could be wall thickeness to use for stacked doors for the laundry instaed of the bifolds btw a floating (wall hung) vanity is usually more expensive, creates problems hiding the pipes and will lose valuable storage space for towels and lineni would expect a full reno with modest quality fixtures and tiles and no surprises to cost at least $20,000 but suggest that a bathroom company that could take responsibility for organising demolition, plumbing, carpentry, waterproofing, tiling electrical, painting and sourcing the tiles, taps, screens, lightfittings, tubs, doors etc may be worthwhile and save you trying to juggle the trades who are less likely to be dependable for a single customer although with available time you may be able to save some money by removing old tiles and carting away rubble and finding the tiles. taps, vanity etcs and having them ready on site but coordinating all the trades can be a problem especially if you don't have an alternative bathroom although it's always good to be on site to supervise the work and answer any last minute questions

how exciting for you....most important is location first including views, local climate, sunny or cold and noisy side of the building then access to public transport, local shopping, direct easy commute to work, ongoing fees what will you be responsible for outside your own apartment including ceiling leaks? security front door, windows, balcony and access to lock up garage with storage, private laundry (or space for a washing machine in the bath or kitchen), secure public entry and external lighting ..inside look for the most spacious rooms, open plan kitchen rather than small separate space, preferable two bedrooms and a generous bathroom...old kitchen and bathrooms, floorcoverings and decor can be improved but you can't improve the location.. best of luck with your first home