A.S. from Westchester County, New York writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
30 single Ground level units built twenty years ago. The town hired inspection company to inspect and approve installation of electrical grounding using one grounding rod at time of construction even though Town and County electrical grounding specifications called for two grounding rods at time of construction and have not been changed or upgraded in the passing twenty years. It turns out that the approvals by the town were incorrect and did not meet code at time of construction. Current building inspector is issuing violations. Who is responsible for upgrade to meet code of twenty years ago?
Mister Condo replies:
A.S., that is an unusual question and a bit outside my scope of expertise. Clearly, the inspection company that inspected and approved the electrical ground using one grounding rod at a time was mistaken. However, without seeing their contract for scope of work, the inspection company may have fulfilled their contract for scope of work ordered and not be liable. Ultimately, the condo association has the responsibility to the town to be compliant. This is a great example of when it is time to call the association attorney. If the town made a mistake, the association should not have to pay. However, proving that the town made a mistake may be a matter for the courts. All the best!