Craw Way area under Condominium.

Started by RichardL7 • 10 replies • 1248 views

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RichardL7 (Colorado)
Posts: 105

Posted:

About 9 years ago I was authorized by the HOA management Co to insulate the complete crawl way area of our condominium. 5 years ago we got a new Management Company and they have no record of the authorization. The Crawl way was at one time fully insulated and that was in 1982. It became so bad that I request authorization to replace the insulation ($2500.00 as the HOA had not the moneys. If a problem comes up with the Craw Way (sump pump) and they refuse the repairs, what should I do to receive authorization to maintain this area (not the sump pump). I don't want any problems if the pump fails as it has in our neighbors units.
Thanks, Richard.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

What does your governing documents say about who is responsible for the repair & maintenance of the crawl space and stump pump?
Were you reimbursed for the last repair service or did the HOA pay as a third party.. Next time request an official letter authorizing the repair.

Whats with your HOA? Sounds like shoddy bookkeeping, no reserves to cover maintenance? what the fark!

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

What kind of insulation and where applied? You do not want the insulation under floors in batting form. It will rot the floor from moisture issues. It used to be a practice but now frowned upon. If you need the money then time for a special assessment or raise the dues.

Former HOA President

RichardL7 (Colorado)
Posts: 105

Posted:

When I confronted the HOA and just how bad the first installation was no response was given. This was as I found out latter a Management Company that defrauded our association. ( Check the following on the Web.) (http://www.denverrealestatewatch.com/2015/12/18/hoa-manager-surrenders-his-license/ ) A very long story on that. But no payment was offered or ever given. The new Management Company found all ( ??? ) records in a box and in the hallway, Mr Martin did not deliver them to the office but just drop them off at the door, not sure if all records were delivered.

In 1982 when construction was completed the area was insulated but as time rolled on it all fell down. A very bad mess under the Condo, and wife was suffering from allergies and this needed to be done. If the management Company can not fine the request, I'm sure not all records were delivered. I called a professional who installs insulation and had them do it. Was a wonderful job done by them. I can Testify to the fact that our last Management company did what ever he could so as not to get things taken care of and used the money in some way, never did see the police report, but I did ask the New Management Co for info three times, none given.
Thanks.
Richard.

RichardL7 (Colorado)
Posts: 105

Posted:

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Richard

What do you want?

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JohnC46 on 07/12/2017 12:30 PM
Richard

What do you want?

I'm with John, it doesn't seem clear what you really want. As far as the previous authorization, as long as you have a copy you should be covered even if the association can't find theirs.

If I'm reading correctly, your post suggests that according to the documents, the association is responsible for maintaining the crawl space and sump pumps, but don't have the money to do so. You then got authorization to perform work at your expense that he association should have paid for.

Beyond that I can't tell what you want going forward. If your association doesn't have the money to meet their responsibilities, then most likely the dues are lower than they should be and the leadership (board of directors) is not fulfulling it's duties to the membership of setting realistic budgets and funding them.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

RichardL7 (Colorado)
Posts: 105

Posted:

Thanks for the come back, What I should like to achieve is that I can have control and maintenance of the Craw way area insulation and maintenance , but not the Sump pump or any repairs that may be needed or any or part of the foundation of our unit. Yes, the area is under the control of the Association, Bottom line,--- repair and maintenance of work done that I paid for. If the sump pump fails as it has in the past, my insurance will pay for it and get it DONE. If I count on the HOA, it may be a lot like things before that needed to be repaired, Weeks or months at best. The last time the Sump pump failed it was required to remove two feet of the insulation at the bottom (mold) and they never replace it, the Board determined that it was not needed when the Company that installed it stipulated that it should be replace and I also lost my warrant.

The Board/Management Co made the determination and neglected the advice of professionals and the professional advice given from the Company who installed it. Consider the fact of how long it took for mold to start?? We had 2 1/2 feet of water, and on the side note-- Our furnace failed ( in the same area ) due to rust 7 month later and I had a promise that if it ever failed they would replace it, they never did and it cost me $5,300.00 that also was never paid to me. Note, This was Mr. David Martin, PMG Management Co, our old one. All this is documented and many,many pictures.
Thanks, Richard.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

We don't post names of companies or HOA's if we can avoid it. They aren't here to defend themselves...

The HOA is not a "They/Them" situation. The MC is not responsible for the expense either. They are a paid contractor of the HOA. The bottom line is that the crawl space is HOA common property. They are not going to give you "exclusive use" of it or ownership. ALL owners own that area.

A HOA is only funded by it's members for it's members. So if they don't have the money, then your not going to get what you want. Until willing to pay higher dues or a special assessment, you get put on the "waiting list" of all other's making request of the HOA.

Don't think one can pick and choose what they want to cover. Your part of the HOA and they are to take care of that sump pump. So your not going to get out of that even under the best of circumstances.

Former HOA President

RichardL7 (Colorado)
Posts: 105

Posted:

Thanks Melissa I understand what you are saying. You are correct on your points, nevertheless no matter how we do it we don't have a voice due to the apathy of the Association. Socialism at it best, and in all the years (many) we can't get people to go to the meetings. But thanks anyway.
Take Care.
Richard.

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