A 2018 structural engineering report listed several areas of concern with the now 40-year-old building. Engage, enrage, ask questions and give answers with your community of board members. Is there any way of determining who is responsible for this repair without getting into a nasty court or legal battle? While the cause of the collapse remains under investigation, officials and experts are calling for an examination of the rules, and whether they need to be updated, after the failure of the 12-story condominium building that stood at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on a barrier island that includes Miami Beach. WebIf your condo, townhome, or homeowners association has uncovered repair problems that may indicate there are construction defects in your community, you need to know the Accordingly, the court found that, although the damage caused by the corroded gauge would not itself be considered a casualty, the sudden and unexpected flood that occurred at the building did constitute a casualty even if gradual corrosion triggered that sudden event. Florida state Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Democrat whose district includes the town of Surfside, where the building collapsed, said inspections should take place after 20 years, not 40, for buildings like Champlain Towers South, built in 1981 during a coastal condo-building boom. Florida building collapse reveals shortcomings of systems Leaks may also stem from the edge of the roof being too close to the home. A consultation with a structural engineer would be an ideal place to start. This should Foundation problems for HOA boards are normally a result of drainage or other water related issues. Is that true? Susana Alvarez, a resident of the building, was in bed when she heard a tremor. Dear Tony: My wife, Betty, and l have lived in our townhouse for eight years. Sometimes you can protect your rights just by notifying the builder of problems within the warranty period. IE 11 is not supported. A must for board directors, property managers, professionals and vendors! The goal is to find the person responsible for the The steel support column is sitting on a piece of rotted wood (which has collapsed) and therefore, now sitting on gravel, which is over dirt. What Your HOA Must Know About Construction Defects Condo Smarts: Who is responsible for structural repairs? It appears the basement wall is cracked all the way through, and the water is coming in from the crack. Parts of Champlain Towers South, a 12-story condominium in Surfside, Fla., partially collapsed early Thursday morning. Submit your questions and comments here! Therefore, the section of the by-laws relating to Maintenance and Repairs will govern, making the unit-owner responsible for the cost of repairing the cabinets.