PM asked me to investigate a Home Owners' kitchen issue?

I found this really odd. Our PM had issues accessing a unit on our top floor who had a leak causing damage to the unit below. None the less the damage is seen with pitures and it looks bad.

The homeowner with the damage stated her cabinets are damaged from water along with the celling and flooring. THe cabinets are a new claim an the property manager called me yesterday and asked ME to go look in her kitchen.

I told her I am not sure how to spot water damage and we should send in a contractor not a board member for one reason alone. I PERSONALLY do not want the responsibility of reporting potential damage or not, and I am not qualified.

Isi it common practice in other HOA"s to have such activity and requested asked of a HOA Board member??

Not really unreasonable. You don't need to make a complete assessment including cost estimates. Just verify that the damage in the photos is indeed present in the unit in question (as opposed to being from some other condo). The insurance companies and contractors will take care of the details.

My father had a similar situation in his condo: his ice-maker sprung a leak while he was gone for the weekend and it damaged the kitchen of the unit below him. A Board member came over to take an initial look at the damage, then had the PM coordinate with my father's insurance and the various contractors to ensure that the repair work was completed in a timely manner.

It really isn't a claim against the Association though. This should mostly be handled by the insurance company that covers the top unit. The Association should only be involved to ensure that the work is done properly to protect the structural integrity of the building.

Anna aces it again.