Author Topic: Condo Work OOPS  (Read 1544 times)

steevven1

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Condo Work OOPS
« on: June 10, 2017, 06:42:02 AM »
Summer in Florida here. AC ducts in my condo were old, crumbling, and pouring cold air into my attic. My master bedroom received almost no airflow, and I couldn't sleep. So, I got a few quotes and hired a company to fully replace the ducts and also do a little other work to my HVAC and ventilation systems for a grand total of $1650 (majority of this was for the duct replacement). They did great work, my bedroom is cool, and I am very very happy. Worth every penny.

They actually haven't collected a cent from me yet because they're coming to finish the last of the work next week, and I'll be paying then.

Here's the OOPS: I never thought for a second that AC ducts might be covered by my condo association, since they feed ONLY my unit and are a part of my own personal AC system, so they must be my responsibility. But I just looked today, and the condo association docs say, "The Association shall pay for and be financially responsible for plumbing, air conditioning repairs, and electrical wiring within the Common Elements."

I can't find anything DEFINING "common elements" (looking into it....maybe that's just the clubhouse!). Do you think I made a big mistake, or do you think my AC ducts weren't covered anyway, and I should stop worrying? If they were covered, is there any way to legally ask for retroactive payment, or partial payment?

waltworks

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Re: Condo Work OOPS
« Reply #1 on: June 10, 2017, 09:59:22 PM »
Common elements means the clubhouse or any other commonly-held areas/buildings. Your HOA is not going to pay for anything from the studs in on your unit unless it was due to HOA negligence somehow.

You didn't blow it, no worries.

-W

marty998

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Re: Condo Work OOPS
« Reply #2 on: June 10, 2017, 10:14:08 PM »
Rules in Australia is that you own the airspace in your rooms, and the internal walls. Anything within the external walls is common property.

Since your duct goes though an internal wall in your unit, you would be responsible (under our rules).


steevven1

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Re: Condo Work OOPS
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2017, 08:04:07 PM »
Indeed, further research has confirmed this. Thank you!!!