I own a condo unit in a 5,100 sq. ft. building. It is on the beach.
the unit below me has 5 rotting floor joists beneath it on the outside. I am insisting that the problem be fixed. how bad can this situation be? We have 28 pilings and the rest of the joists appear to be okay.
2007-07-10 06:50:08 · 12 answers · asked by charlotte q 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I am going to the condo assoc. and will insist!
So far no uneven floors. One of the owners here is a contractet. if fact his unit has the rotted joists beneath him.
2007-07-10 07:00:44 · update #1
thank-you for all the answers. i will see this thru to the end! it will be repaired!
2007-07-10 07:24:04 · update #2
Call the building code department of your city if they refuse to fix it. At least then you will know if there is really a safety issue.
2007-07-10 06:54:35 · answer #1 · answered by Truth is elusive 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. The problem(s) can be catastrophic if not tended to, but without seeing it and based on your statement/question I would be concerned.
2. Do you have a governing body or an HOA that over sees your complex? If so start with them. If not, you may want to call the city/county code enforcement in the building department to see if the can push the owner as to a code violation issues.
3. You might also want to have a licensed contractor come out and give you an estimate(s) for the repairs, then you should send them (the other owner) a certified letter that spells out your concerns and the corrections based on the proposal(s) you get from the contractor(s) and what it is they need to have done. This hopefully will cover you if the problem gets any worse as you have showed concern to a potentially problem that could cost you and or your insurance company.
2007-07-10 14:10:21 · answer #2 · answered by The Handyman Pro 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those joists were put there for a reason. You really need to replace those 5 before they get any worse. Best scenario is your building will end up with uneven floors, worst scenario is the structure will become unsafe. If you were trying to sell the place, the building inspector would fail it if it had rotting joists.
Go to the condo association.
2007-07-10 13:55:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the nature of the rot? Dry rot, wet rot, fungus rot, termite problems or what. Identify before rectify to ascertain the extent of the problem. If it is just wet rot, due to the original timbers decaying over the years, then just cut out the soggy bits and scarf in fresh. If you are near the sea, teak would be a good wood to replace with as it resists sea water.
2007-07-10 13:57:44 · answer #4 · answered by John G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as no one walks on the floor, no one is underneath, and you don't mind having the floor collapse without warning, all is fine.
If you find the above unacceptable (and I do find it unacceptable) they need to be replaced. Meanwhile rope off the area and keep people out before someone gets killed.
2007-07-10 14:01:35 · answer #5 · answered by GTB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is pretty bad and can be fixed fairly easy. Keep insisting. It can lead to bad problems down the reoad if it is not fixed.
2007-07-10 13:53:01 · answer #6 · answered by aitkenpatty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just as long as you have a current last will and testament and your life insurance is paid up you should be fine.
2007-07-10 13:55:10 · answer #7 · answered by wigger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Structurally you are okay until there is a large stress put on the structure, read that hurricane.
2007-07-10 13:59:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you need those to be replaced ASAP before they collapse or the weight that those five are supposed to be holding up collapses the good ones.
2007-07-10 13:53:32 · answer #9 · answered by mineblindreaper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is good. It will force you to go on a diet!
2007-07-10 13:52:42 · answer #10 · answered by MensaMan 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋