Skylights Original to Building - Need Repair

Started by Mary-allegraF • 3 replies • 2156 views

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Mary-allegraF (California)
Posts: 1

Posted:

Hi-
I'm new to this forum and have been trying to find information online that can help. Our 7 unit HOA is self-managed (poorly so, but...) and we have such limited funds we're splitting costs for repairs/maintenance as they come up. Of our 7 units, six of them have skylights that are original. Our HOA documents do not address them directly. One unit has a leaky one. She wants the HOA to fix it. We can't decide if it's part of the roof (which our by-laws say would be covered) or a window (which is each unit's responsbility). ?? Any suggestions? If the HOA repairs it, we split the cost. BUT, when the other 5 need repairs...well we have to split those costs, too, then. I think we should just each pay for our own as it comes up...skip the splitting the cost. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

RonaldW (South Carolina)
Posts: 901

Posted:

Seven units and six original skylights? Has one already been replaced or did the unit not have one to begin with? If one skylight has already been replaced, who paid for the replacement?

Your local building inspector or code division might be able to help decide if a skylight is part of the roof or a window.

More importantly, your HOA really should be saving up funds for that roof replacement or any other major work. Imagine down the road sometime a person buys one of the units and then gets hit with a several thousand dollar assessment for a roof replacement!

Look at it this way; the roof is expected to last for X years and replacement is expected to cost X dollars (don't forget inflation). Figure the cost per year for the roof and raise the annual assessment for each unit to cover the eventual replacement. Do the same for any other major maintenance costs such as painting, caulking, paving, mechanical equipment replacement, etc.

Ron
SC

RonaldW (South Carolina)
Posts: 901

Posted:

Let me add that if the HOA pays for the replacement, it controls who is working on its roof and the quality of the work. If the unit owner pays, there's no telling what fools will be up there and what damage may be done to your roof during the repairs. If a problem develops, it could easily become a "blame game" and the HOA will end up paying to repair the damage.

Ron
SC

HarrietM (Florida)
Posts: 12

Posted:

We have 56 units in our community and all have sky lights. Some have two. we feel, as an association, that they are part of the roofing and we do maintain them. I agree with others who responded that you need to have control over who does this type of work.Be sure an establish a reserve fund that will cover roof/skylight maintenance.
Good luck.
Harriet

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