J.J. from Guilford County, North Carolina writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
The concrete floor sound barrier is cracked throughout the condo. Is this something that the HOA needs to fix since it is structural? I was told by a contractor that all of the other units would most likely be in the same condition. The condo was built in 1979.
Mister Condo replies:
J.J., I am sorry that your condo complex is having such a huge structural issue. I am not familiar with the noise issue cause by a cracked concrete floor as it relates to sound but if there is a defect that creates a potential liability for the association, it is in the best interest of all owners that the Board address the problem. The responsibility for the repair likely lies with the association but the burden of cost is likely going to lie with the owners and cause a Special Assessment to be levied or require an HOA loan as this would be an unexpected expense of the association. Either way, the homeowners would have to pay for the repair. My advice would be to have a structural integrity study performed so that all unit owners know what risk the cracked floor creates and then take appropriate action. All the best!