J.D. from New Haven County, Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Our condo was purchased 5.5 years ago with a finished basement. A year after purchase, the basement flooded. We put in a claim with our homeowners’ insurance, but also entered a complaint with the HOA. They determined there are foundation defects in our unit and our entire building. We live with sump pumps in our window wells to prevent another flood and recently found that our basement contains mold and water is seeping in slowly into a child’s bedroom in the basement. What is our recourse?
Mister Condo replies:
J.D., I am truly sorry for the water intrusion and mold issues in the basement of your condo. Basement flooding in low-lying areas is a real problem for many Connecticut home and condo owners because so much real estate was built on grounds that have high water levels. It is almost impossible for a foundation to withstand such pressure. Over time, it only gets worse. I am sure you are not alone in this problem. It is time to speak with your fellow homeowners to discuss how much flooding is happening throughout the condo. Ideally, the Board will take steps to remedy the flooding. However, understand that the process of restoring dry basements can be very expensive. Even if there is a construction defect as your insurer has pointed out, the odds of recovery against a builder so many years after the condo was built is unlikely although you might want to get an opinion from an attorney who specializes in construction defect litigation before the association takes on the entire expense by itself. Many communities simply live with sump pumps as they are an inexpensive solution. As long as they are properly maintained and kept in good working order, they have been a proven solution. As for mold remediation, that needs to happen soon. Uncheck, mold can become toxic and make residents sick or worse. Bring the matter to the Board’s attention and speak to your neighbors about their problems. The association needs to consider solutions. All the best!
Water issues must be addressed, especially if they are leading to health issues but how sad that the association is left holding the bag because the builder may no longer be in business.
As Mister Condo stated, the property had a high water table which means it was not the best choice for construction of condos. Water remediation should have been done prior to construction.
I feel your pain! I’ve been sick since I’ve moved into this building…6 courses of antibiotics in less than 12 months, and was never sick a day in my life.. My emotional support pet has something called FHS, its an odd disease, usually brought on by environmental issues…The old house I live in 1833, turned into condo’s 1988, has never been attended to.. The basement floods all the time, I had an environmental Engineer come out, and yes, they found asbestos, Flymaldyhde, lead, and other toxic substances…which is why I am chronically sick…Call your EPA, call the DA, office….don;t stop and don’t listen anymore to idiots……